Big Issue founder John Bird joined with Thames Reach in calling for an increase in taxation on super strength lagers in Chancellor Alastair Darling's March budget.
This was part of a campaign by the charity to highlight the deaths among the capital's homeless caused by these cheap and readily available drinks.
But according to Thames Reach communications manager Mike Nicholas: “The Budget was a big disappointment, as the Chancellor stuck duty on all forms of alcohol rather than targeting super strength drinks. But it’s a campaign that we can and will win.”
He added: “Just one 500ml can of nine per cent super strength lager contains four and a half units of alcohol, well exceeding the Government’s daily recommended safe drinking limits.
"At Thames Reach we see the devastating consequences of these drinks all too often.”
Over 50 MPs have now signed up to an Early Day Motion put before Parliament and the Departments of Health and the Treasury are being lobbied by Thames Reach.
A complaint has also been made to the Portman Group, the drinks industry’s body set up to promote responsible drinking.
Jeremy Swain, Thames Reach Chief Executive, said: “Even those representing the drink companies admit that super strength lager is consumed almost exclusively by people with alcohol problems.
"If a can of super strength lager becomes too expensive for homeless alcoholics to buy, we are certain that lives will be saved.”
Elsewhere, supermarkets have announced that they may consider a national ban on the sale of super strength lagers and ciders. Tesco has already removed products such as Carlsberg Special Brew from its stores in Westminster.
The Big Issue ran the campaign as its cover story in early April. John Bird, founder of the magazine, said: “We have to act seriously about the kinds of deaths and illnesses that are created by a lager that can only destroy your mind and body.
"There is no moderation in this drink. It is not used by tipplers, it is used by people whom are desperately enslaved by alcohol. In a sensible world we would ban it completely, but at least try and price it out of the alcoholics market.”
The BBC also produced a short film on the problems caused by super strength drinks. It was shown in early May during Friday evening prime-time on BBC One's social affairs programme Inside Out.
