TOUGH new measures to try to curb alcohol problems will not work.

That was the stark response last night from a Huddersfield expert who has spent years trying to help problem drinkers.

Alan Walker believes the Government moves – including a minimum price on each unit – will make little or no difference.

The controversial plans to tackle “drunken mayhem” on Britain’s streets by introducing a higher-than-expected minimum alcohol price of 45p per unit were announced yesterday.

Multi-buy deals in supermarkets and off-licences could also be banned, under proposals being put out for consultation.

Home Secretary Theresa May is outlining the package in an effort to “turn the tide” on a culture of irresponsible drinking estimated to cost the taxpayer £21bn annually.

Officials said it was currently possible to buy a can of lager for as little as 20p, and a two litre bottle of cider for £1.69.

More than a million crimes and 1.2 million hospital admissions were linked to alcohol last year.

The Alcohol Health Alliance (AHA), made up of 32 medical and counselling organisations, welcomed the step.

Chairman Professor Sir Ian Gilmore said the minimum unit price should be 50p rather than 45p.

But Mr Walker, of Alcohol Support Kirklees, insisted: “They will have little or no effect”.

He said: “The Government proposals will not reduce consumption of heavy drinkers or people who are abusing alcohol. Consequently, health issues will persist.

“Putting up the price will not stop them going out and buying or stealing alcohol.

“Responsible and normal drinkers will be unfairly penalised on price.

The Government knows most will put up with a certain price rise but are wary of going too far.

“Binge drinking and anti-social behaviour will remain the same unless robust policing and prosecution of existing laws is carried out.

“We need to see that people who cause problems after drinking are dealt with severely.”

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “There are positive signs in the Government’s approach to reducing the red tape burden. I welcome the decision to consult on the current requirement to advertise licensing applications in a newspaper.

“On multi-buy promotions, this would affect beer more than any other drinks as beer is the most common type of drink sold in this way.

“However, if the Government is seeking to introduce minimum pricing, it is difficult to see why they feel the need for this.

“On minimum pricing, there are differing views on its potential role in tackling alcohol-related harm.

“We strongly believe that alcohol should be priced in a way that is socially responsible, but there are concerns that minimum pricing would penalise a sensible majority of people who drink in moderation.”

THE new system would inevitably mean price rises.

It proposes a minimum of 45p per unit of alcohol - and one unit equates to half a pint of standard strength (4%) beer, cider or lager; a single pub measure of spirit (25ml); or half a standard 175ml glass of wine.

That would mean minimum prices as follows:

One 440ml can of strong lager – £1.56

One 440ml can of strong cider – £1.66

75ml bottle of wine – £4.22

700ml bottle of whisky - £12.60

1 litre bottle of vodka – £16.88.