The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) has suggested minimum pricing could transfer as much as £700 million from consumers to retailers and producers, advising tax increases as a preferred longer-term strategy.
See the IFS report 'The impact of introducing a minimum price on alcohol in Britain' [pdf]
In a press release, the IFS said:
“Minimum alcohol prices would transfer large sums from consumers to those firms that retail and produce alcohol, but may target households that consume the most alcohol more directly than increases in alcohol taxes. However, higher taxes would generate much needed revenue. The Government should seek to change European regulations on how alcohol taxes can be structured, so that taxes can mimic the impact of minimum prices whilst ensuring the resulting revenues go to the Government and not firms.” > > > >Read More