British officials have unveiled a plan to place a minimum cost on alcohol in England and Wales. The idea could spell the end for cheap beer and cider, as well as hard liquor.
The idea behind the proposal is to discourage over-imbibing, assuming that people will refuse to pay more to drink. The British ministers who proposed the idea believe that the change would “reduce total consumption by 3.3% and cut the number of crimes by 5,000 and hospital admissions by 24,000 each year, with 700 fewer alcohol-linked deaths annually.”
Health experts welcome the proposal, but the drinks industry warned that responsible consumers will be punished along with over-consumers.
The Institute for Fiscal Studies claims that the alcohol industry would be the biggest benefactor from the price increase, stating that it would gain nearly $2 billion from consumers as a result. Low-income households would take the biggest hits, with both heavy and moderate drinkers paying the price.
The purpose of the minimum price would be to alter the cost of discounted drinks found in shops and supermarkets. A can of beer would have to cost at least $2.50 under the new proposal. The cost of drinks in pubs and bars will reportedly not be much affected.
The Homes Office claims the proposal is targeted at “harmful drinkers and irresponsible shops” looking to make money off of people’s over-imbibing habits.
A spokesperson for the Office added: “Those who enjoy a quiet drink or two have nothing to fear from our proposals.” 
