Ministers have said that it is now less likely minimum alcohol pricing laws will be introduced, because of the current economic climate.
According to the Mirror, politicians believe it will be harder to push through the legislation if consumers are already struggling to pay bills.
One minister told the paper: “This would have been difficult at the best of times but we can’t force up the price of a drink when people have less money.”
The source added that there is “no way” the plans would get past the Department for Business.
Yesterday, the British Beer & Pub Association said sales of beer in supermarkets has decreased by 6% in the third quarter.
The Wine and Spirit Trade Association also last week urged the government to make alcohol education more prominent in schools.
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