On January 18th the sigh of relief with which the Wine and Spirit Trade Association greeted government plans to impose a minimum price on alcohol in England and Wales was almost audible.

ECONOMIST: Cheap booze

Tesco recently announced its support for a minimum price, but the Wine and Spirit Trade association remains opposed.

BBC: Watchdog backs a minimum price for alcohol

But the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said recent figures showed alcohol consumption was falling and there was little evidence showing that a minimum price would reduce problem drinking.

BBC: David Cameron vows to end cheap alcohol sales