Alcohol minimum pricing 'effective in reducing consumption'

Ministers are proposing a minimum price of 45p a unit for the sale of alcohol in England and Wales as part of a drive to tackle problem drinking.

The Home Office has launched a 10-week consultation on the plan, arguing it will help reduce the levels of ill-health and crime related to alcohol.

Pressure has been mounting on the government to follow Scotland's lead, where 50p has been proposed.

Dr John Holmes from Sheffield University told the BBC that research suggests minimum alcohol pricing is an effective way of reducing consumption among heavy drinkers.