It rejected as "a myth" the claim that minimum pricing would hit moderate drinkers, saying a minimum price of 50p a unit could save an estimated 3,000 lives each year, and a 40p minimum could save 1,100.

It would benefit traditional pubs and encourage drinkers to switch to weaker beers, wines and ciders, instead having the greatest impact on cheap high-strength lagers and "industrial white cider" favoured by young bingers and heavy drinkers.

The report called for year-on-year increases in alcohol duties, with particularly sharp rises for spirits and white cider.