THE Government’s minimum pricing policy for alcohol has been criticised as a green light for “pocket money booze”.

Plans to tackle binge drinking and alcohol-related crime will mean a can of lager will cost at least 38p and a litre of vodka at least £10.71.

The move however has been described as a retreat from a coalition pledge to ban the sale of alcohol below cost price.

Alan Walker, of Alcohol Support Kirklees (ASK), said the whole theory that tinkering with prices can prevent the excesses of alcoholism is flawed.

He said: “Playing with the cost of alcohol is neither here nor there for people who are determined to drink to excess.

“There may be an influence on the young, but the availability of drink at a few pence less is not going to lead responsible people astray.

“The people I come into contact with are totally dependent.

“As for the middle class regular drinking, they are unlikely to buy the kind of alcohol that is affected by this, and more likely to make a decision based on increases in the cost of fuel, food and living.”

A spokesperson for NHS Kirklees said: “NHS Kirklees welcomes and supports the plans set out today and continues to work with partner agencies on a variety of initiatives to address the issues around alcohol consumption.”

Mike Benner, chief executive of Camra, the campaign for real ale, was unimpressed.

He said: “Today’s decision means pubs will continue to close as they are undercut by supermarkets selling canned beers at pocket money prices.