PM forced into a humiliating U-turn on minimum price for booze by Cabinet revolt Plans to ban sale of alcohol at less than 45p a unit dead in the water Lib Dems and Tories overwhelmingly opposed to reform Ministers say it punishes ordinary, responsible drinkers Economists had predicted that the average family drinks bill would soar by almost £100 a year under minimum pricing. Critics insisted it would push up the price of drink for ordinary consumers at a time of austerity Drinkers are to escape a new minimum price for alcohol after David Cameron was forced into a U-turn in the face of a revolt by most of the Cabinet. Home Secretary Theresa May has led criticism of the Prime Minister's proposal to ban the sale of alcohol at less than 45p a unit in England and Wales. Earlier this month, the Daily Mail revealed that Cabinet sources were declaring the idea "dead in the water" thanks to overwhelming opposition from Conservative and Liberal Democrat ministers. Last night, Government sources confirmed that it would be formally ditched within the next few weeks. Mrs May, supported by Tory ministers including Eric Pickles and Andrew Lansley, as well as senior Lib Dems, is understood to have told Number Ten that the move would be politically suicidal at a time when the cost of living is being badly squeezed. Another proposal from Mr Cameron, for private firms to be allowed to introduce toll roads to boost road-building, is also expected to be shelved. Senior figures are understood to be pushing alternative plans to increase duty on specific high-alcohol products and supermarket deals blamed for fuelling irresponsible drinking. Others suggest alcohol promotion could be more strictly regulated. Leading medical organisations insist a minimum price should be set still higher, at 50p. There are doubts that a price of 45p would be high enough to have much deterrent effect - a factor likely to be cited when the Home Office officially abandons the plans. It held a ten-week consultation on whether to introduce a 45p minimum unit price. Mr Cameron argued that minimum pricing would reduce the consumption of super-strength ciders, cheap vodka and special brew lagers. But critics insisted it would push up the price of drink for ordinary consumers at a time of austerity. A 45p per unit minimum price would mean a can of strong lager could not be sold for less than £1.56 and a bottle of wine for less than £4.22. But much of the Cabinet insisted it would be disastrous to penalise hard-working families who drink responsibly. Mr Lansley, the Leader of the Commons, said: "It is more likely to have a bigger proportionate impact on responsible drinkers who happen to be low-income households." Now the Government is likely to target products and deals that appeal to those who drink irresponsibly. The Coalition has already raised tax on beer with an alcohol content of over 7.5 per cent, and senior figures believe it is possible to extend that approach to target particular drinks rather than hitting all drinkers. The Coalition has already raised tax on beer with an alcohol content of over 7.5 per cent, and senior figures believe it is possible to extend that approach to target particular drinks rather than hitting all drinkers The Government's alcohol strategy, developed by the Home Office, has outlined separate proposals to ban buy-one-get-one-free alcohol deals and other bulk discounts. There are new powers for hospitals swamped with drunks to shut down pubs and clubs causing trouble, a levy on licensed premises to pay for extra policing in rowdy town centres, and an industry push to cut the alcohol content in a range of drinks. Other ministers had warned it would be absurd to introduce a lower minimum price than in Scotland, where the SNP government is seeking a 50p threshold. To do so could lead to a rush of cross-border sales, they argue. The move is in further difficulty because the alcohol industry plans to fight it in the courts. Firms insist it is illegal under EU competition law. Charities claim super-strong beers are causing more damage to vulnerable people than heroin or crack cocaine Alan Johnson, Labour's former home secretary, has revealed that he had considered imposing a minimum alcohol price when in office but was told it would be against both British and European law. Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said: "Consumers have made it very clear: they are opposed to minimum unit pricing. They do not think it is fair that responsible drinkers should have to pay more because of the actions of a minority of irresponsible drinkers. Consumers will welcome the report that the Prime Minister is reconsidering plans to hike up the cost of alcohol. But Tory MP Tracey Crouch said: "I really hope rumours of a U-turn on minimum unit pricing for alcohol are not true. We must tackle the problem of easily accessible cheap alcohol. Totnes MP Dr Sarah Wollaston, a former GP, said she was "very concerned" at the suggestion that minimum pricing is to be dropped.