The UK government is likely to scrap the plan to introduce minimum pricing for alcohol in England and Wales, and instead target loss-leader deals.
According to reports, Home Secretary Theresa May will address Members of Parliament this week that the Government has decided not to go ahead with the proposal to set a minimum price of £0.40 per unit of alcohol.
The Government also plans to remove ban on multi-buy discounts. Instead, it will concentrate on plans to prevent retailers from selling alcohol below cost price or as a loss leader.
Alcohol Concern fundraising and campaigns director and deputy chief executive Emily Robinson, however, said if the Government bans minimum unit pricing it will be a dark day for public health and another sign that big business interests are more important to this government than the health of the nation.
"Alcohol misuse costs us all £21bn each year, our hospitals are straining under the burden of it and the police are stretched to their limits dealing with the problems caused by it," Robinson added.
"The government says they only want to introduce legislation based on evidence and all the evidence shows minimum unit pricing saves lives and cuts crime."
Scotland, however, is going ahead with plans to introduce a minimum unit price for alcohol.
