Lives will be lost as a result of the Government's U-turn on introducing a minimum unit price for alcohol, angry Tory MPs have warned.
Prime Minister David Cameron said that while the idea had "a lot of merit" there were questions over its effectiveness and fears it could be challenged in the courts.
But the move led to anger from campaigners and accusations that Mr Cameron had put "short-term political expediency" ahead of public health.
Plans for a 45p price per unit of alcohol in England and Wales were floated in a consultation last year but Home Office Minister Jeremy Browne confirmed in the Commons that they would not be taken forward.
Mr Browne also ruled out a ban on multi-buy promotions due to a "lack of convincing evidence" that it would have a significant effect on consumption. But he said there would be a ban on the "egregious" sale of alcohol for below the rate of duty and VAT in England and Wales, meaning a can of lager would cost at least 40p.
The move follows last week's decision to shelve plans for cigarettes to be displayed in plain packaging and critics have claimed Tory election strategist Lynton Crosby influenced the dropping of potentially vote-losing policies.
Source: Belfast Telegraph, 17/07/2013
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