Consumers are facing a massive price hike for their average Christmas drinks shop if government proposals on minimum pricing go ahead, the Wine & Spirits Trade Association has warned.

The trade body says that shoppers face paying an extra £17 for their festive drinks shop in future.

The warning follows widespread reports of Cabinet splits over the impact of the policy on lower income families.

According to the WSTA research, a minimum unit price of 50p, coupled with the proposed ban on multibuy discounts, would mean that customers stocking up to celebrate Christmas with family and friends could see their drinks shop rise in price from £46.96 to £63.91.

An average Christmas shopping list would change from:

• Three bottles of wine: £10 in December 2012; £14.63 under proposals
• Three bottles of Cava: £11.97 in December 2012; £12.93 under proposals
• One bottle of Scotch whisky: £10.32; £14
• One bottle of sherry: £4.67; £5.63
• 20-pack of beer: £10; £16.72
• Total: £46.96; £63.91

WSTA chief executive Miles Beale said: “Our research shows the true impact that minimum unit pricing will have on hard pressed families as they prepare for Christmas, adding nearly £17 to a typical Christmas drinks shop. It is unrealistic for the government to pretend this policy won’t hit responsible consumers, preparing to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends.

“It is time for David Cameron to use some common sense, listen to his Cabinet colleagues, and drop this unfair and ineffective policy now.”

The WSTA used prices based on offers available on December 14, 2012 at Tesco and Asda.