Government expected to reveal alcohol minimum price plans on Wednesday
The Government is expected to set out its plans for a three potential "floor prices" for a unit of alcohol this week.
The announcement, due on Wednesday, follows a long consultation on alcohol and alcohol pricing and is expected to include measures to limit the sale of cheap spirits and high strength ciders and lagers, blamed for anti-social behaviour.
The Government is expected to set out potential plans for three separate floor prices - 40p, 45p and 50p.
Prime Minister David Cameron has already raised the possibility of a 40p minimum price earlier this year, which it was confirmed that the coalition Government supported such a measure.
The Scottish Parliament has already approved plans for a 50p minimum, but has been delayed by legal challenges from drinks firms concerned that the move could breach UK and EU trade laws.
Health groups are in favour of the Government in Westminster adopting the same 50p floor price, but a 45p compromise has been introduced, reportedly because of Treasury concerns over how a large drop in alcohol sales would affect tax revenues.
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By Neil Gerrard
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