Prime minister Gordon Brown said that he would not implement proposals put forward by chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson, which would punish moderate drinkers for the excesses of a minority.
The Scottish government's plans for similar regulation have been delayed, but should they go ahead in 2010 the resulting price differential is likely to see a surge in cross-border shopping.
Donaldson's proposals would double the cost of a multipack of lager, nearly double the cost of a bottle of vodka to £20 and set a minimum price for a bottle of wine at £4.50.
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