3 ltrs of alchi white ?16.50 
THE cost of booze could more than quadruple under Government plans to curb binge drinking.
A litre of strong cider would rocket from ?1.30 to ?5.50 in some shops.
Beer, alcopops, wine and spirits would also be targeted, Health Secretary Andy Burnham announced yesterday.
The aim is to make it too expensive for people to get dangerously drunk by imposing a minimum price of between 40 and 50p for each unit of alcohol.
And, rather than let the drinks industry profit from the increased prices, ministers are likely to cream off the extra cash, leading to accusations that they are imposing a stealth tax on drinkers.
Mr Burnham said: ?There is rising public concern and we have never shied away from taking tough public health decisions.
?We need to balance the rights of people who drink responsibly with those who buy ludicrously cheap booze then go out and harm themselves and others.?
He said he did not want to ?punish the majority who drink responsibly?. Pub drinks would not go up as much as those bought in shops and stores.
Health officials reckon price fixing could halt thousands of deaths each year. But Chris Sorek, of alcohol information charity Drink-aware, said the proposals would only be a partial solution. He said: ?We need a package of measures to tackle alcohol misuse.?
He added: ?Price is one element, but it is imperative that we aim to change people?s attitudes by providing information and advice.
?People need to know what they?re drinking and the effect it can have on their health and well-being so they can start to think about their drinking patterns.
?We see the effects of alcohol misuse on the streets, but people of all ages drinking at home are putting themselves in harm?s way, often without even realising it.
?Regularly exceeding daily alcohol guidelines can increase people?s chances of developing liver damage, some cancers and mental health issues.?
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