Researchers have stated that drinkers would be a lot benefited if the price of alcohol is increased.

The Sheffield University team calculated that about 50,000 people from illness in a decade would be saved if per unit of alcohol had a minimum cost of 50p.

It was reported that people aged 45 and more who suffer from chronic illness would be benefited the most as cardiovascular disease would come down.

Responsible drinkers would however be penalized by minimum pricing, retailers said.

According to the Sheffield team, an extra £12 per year would have to be shelled out by moderate drinkers if 50p per unit is set.

If this step is taken then a standard bottle of wine would be sold at a minimum price of atleast £4.50, and two liter bottle of cider for £5.50, and £6 would be needed for the average six pack of lager.

Sir Liam Donaldson, England's Chief Medical Officer, has been calling for such a pricing policy.

The government stated that it wanted to target cheap alcohol. But, he plan of action remains undecided and the government also stated that it did not want to impose additional burdens on the majority, who were moderate drinkers.