The government is set to announce a minimum price of 40 pence per unit of alcohol today (March 23rd) in a bid to combat the binge drinking culture of the country.
It is thought that this minimum pricing plan will be discussed by parliament over the summer and will be imposed as soon as possible afterwards.
Multi-buy discounts, such as three bottles of wine for £10, are also expected to be banned, while a levy is expected to be placed on pubs and clubs to pay for policing.
The government also hopes to improve powers to stop serving drunks alcohol and to act against problem premises.
In a statement from Number 10 Downing Street, prime minister David Cameron said: "This isn't about stopping responsible drinking, adding burdens on business or some new kind of stealth tax - it's about fast immediate action where universal change is needed.
"And let's be clear. This will not hurt pubs. A pint is two units. If the minimum price is 40p a unit, it won't affect the price of a pint. In fact, pubs may benefit by making the cheap alternatives in supermarkets more expensive."
Brigid Simmons, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, stated that it is a good thing to hear the government supporting local pubs.
She told the Publican that this ruling may encourage people to drink low-strength drinks like beer in the social environment of their pub rather than buying cheap alcohol from supermarkets.
Pubs are also set to benefit from the Budget, as chancellor George Osborne announced that Sunday trading laws will be relaxed for eight weeks during the Olympics and Paralympics.
They will also be allowed to stay open until 1am over the Diamond Jubilee weekend, which may help pubs enjoy greater profits this summer.
