Northern Irish look at drink pricing

The minimum cost of a bottle of Chardonnay could be between £4 and £7 under fresh pricing proposals in Northern Ireland.

Laws designed to curb binge-drinking and reduce antisocial behaviour are due to be launched for consultation later today.

A six-pack of beer may cost a minimum of between 4.40 and 7.70 under the regulation, which is based on the number of units of alcohol.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Parliament rejected SNP plans to introduce minimum pricing of alcohol.

It is estimated alcohol abuse costs society 900 million a year, according to Northern Ireland's Department for Social Development.