Maldon off licences could face ruin as the Government announces minimum price plans for alchohol.

The Government plans to impose a minimum price of 45p per unit in a bid to stamp out the nation’s binge drinking.

The decision could mean an extra 70p on the price of some bottles of wine and an additional £1.30 on a two-litre bottle of cider, whilst also spelling the end for “buy one get one free” deals.

Off licence owner, Mash Patel, 42, who runs the Tolley Shop in Spital Road, Maldon fears the decision could affect the future of small businesses such as his.

He said: “It is a massive worry. We are such a small shop, we really depend on the price of alcohol."

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