THE price of cheap cask wine could quadruple if a nationwide floor price is set for alcohol.

The Health Minister, Nicola Roxon, has agreed to the development of the concept. Such a price would operate separately from alcohol tax and make it illegal for any retailer to sell alcohol below a certain price per standard drink.

Cask wine ... price may quadruple. Credit:Stephen Baccon

The National Preventive Health Agency has been asked to develop the concept as part of a strategic plan that has been approved by the minister but is yet to be approved by her state counterparts.

The interim chief executive of the agency, Rhonda Galbally, confirmed that the strategic plan included the concept of a uniform alcohol floor price.