Landlords in Lincoln have urged the Government to scrap cheap supermarket booze deals – saying it could save their industry.

Struggling boozers say cut-price alcohol deals in the shops are responsible for pouring their profits down the drain.

And many Lincoln pubs are struggling to survive as drinkers choose to stay at home.

The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, has recommended that shops be required to charge at least 50p per unit for drinks.

He says he will continue to push forward with the proposals despite the Prime Minister rejecting the idea.

The plan could double the cost of some beverages sold as "loss leaders" by supermarkets.

Lincoln area landlords claim that their industry, which they say encourages responsible drinking, would be helped.

Maureen Clarke (46), who runs the Dambusters Inn in Scampton, said: "If they put up the prices in supermarkets, it would be good news for the pubs."

She added: "The cheap deals that are available in supermarkets now are promoting alcoholism.

"Kids go in with some pocket money and get older friends to buy drinks for them.

"Supermarkets can buy in bulk and keep their prices down."

For more on local reaction to the call for a minimum charge on alcohol, see Tuesday's Echo.