The Royal Society for Public Health recently said the strength of each drink and the risks of exceeding the recommended limit, including for pregnant women and drivers should be made clear on pack.

Mike Ridgway of the Consumer Packaging Manufacturers Alliance (CPMA) said: “Both brand owners and the packaging industry have been warned that the trend for regulation of this type will not disappear and with the example of tobacco packaging regulation can see this how this could eventually end with excessive health warning coverage and ultimately plain packaging.

“The branded consumer product companies believed that tobacco was a ‘ special case ‘ but it is clear that alcohol control advocates now have the drinks industry as a target..

“With no clear evidence that packaging regulation plays a part in any consumer choice or decision at the point of purchase the packaging industry must take moves to regulate very seriously ‘ Ridgway projects that the loss of added production value to the printing businesses of labels , cartons linked to drinks products would be highly financially detrimental.”