The Government is planning to ditch proposals for a minimum price on alcohol in another U-turn by David Cameron, according to Sky sources.
The Prime Minister has personally backed the move for a base price in England and Wales, which experts argue would save lives and cut crime.
But it has been blocked by senior Tories, with opponents said to include Home Secretary Theresa May who has been at the centre of recent leadership rumours.
Education Secretary Michael Gove and Commons leader Andrew Lansley have also signalled their doubts about the proposal.
There were believed to be concerned about hitting responsible drinkers already struggling as the cost-of-living rises, as well as potentially breaking EU laws.
On the backbenches, supporters of the change have expressed their dismay at the U-turn - which follows a 10-week consultation.
Totnes MP Sarah Wollaston - a former GP - tweeted: "Very concerned about suggestion that minimum pricing to be dropped from alcohol strategy."
Her Tory colleague Tracey Crouch added: "I really hope rumours of U-turn on minimum unit pricing for alcohol are not true. We must tackle problem of easily accessible cheap alcohol."
Theresa May (right) was among senior Tories to disagree with David Cameron She later told Sky News: "We know that the Prime Minister is personally quite committed to this policy so I think we need to continue to press our case."
Alcohol Concern argued that minimum pricing would protect young people and vulnerable, heavy drinkers and insisted it must go ahead.
Chief executive Eric Appleby said: "All the evidence shows it will save lives and reduce crime - and we mustn't allow the interests of big business to derail this important policy."
But Miles Beale, the chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, said consumers would welcome the move.
"Minimum unit pricing would penalise responsible drinkers and treat everyone who is looking for value in their shopping as a binge-drinker," he said.
"Evidence has also shown it will do little to tackle problem drinking."
Labour accused Mr Cameron of "weak leadership and weak government", calling the U-turn a "humiliating climbdown".
Shadow home office minister Diana Johnson said: "The Home Secretary and the Prime Minister said this measure would cut crime and prevent alcohol abuse. What's changed?"
Introducing a 45p base price per unit would mean a can of strong lager could not be sold for under £1.56 and a bottle of wine for under £4.22.
Last year, ministers claimed the change would cut the number of crimes by 5,000, slash hospital admissions by 24,000 and lead to 700 fewer alcohol-linked deaths annually.
The Home Office said consultation on the plans had ended on February 6 and that it would "listen to all views" before setting out a response.
Scotland is already set to introduce a 50p minimum price but is facing legal challenges due to claims the price floor could breach EU free trade rules.
Northern Ireland is still examining the issue.
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