Calls from the police, media and organisations such as Alcohol Concern to act on industry regulation have been increasingly high profile following recent developments and findings on the lack of adherence to the industry's voluntary code. Last month the government began consultation on possible action on the industry, based on a series of findings and independent reviews.
This week a range of media reports were released calling for action whilst highlighting the extent of bad industry practice across the country including happy hours, cheap promotions and aggressive marketing. An article in The Guardian blamed prices wars between large chains vying for competition and expected an increase in cheap drinks promotions over the summer. The Guardian also drew attention to the rescinding of the industry's voluntary code of practice following a legal glitch that meant it contravened European Competition law.
Frank Soodeen of Alcohol Concern claimed the trade's committment to responsible drinking was often 'superficial at best' whilst Chris Allison, the Association of Chief Police Officers' lead on alcohol stated: "Sadly the trade repeatedly shows that it cannot be relied upon to consistently act in a responsible way. It is now time for the government to take some action against the trade and to legislate to ensure that the licensing trade always acts responsibly."
Meanwhile the alcohol trade continued to point the finger at heavy discounting of alcohol in supermarkets as forcing on licensed premises to sell competitively as The Sun announced pub beer sales were at their lowest levels in 75 years. However Diageo chief executive Paul Welsh has stated "There is no hard evidence that pricing affects consumption." He recently defended the industry and arguments against minimum pricing on the BBC News channel film clip.
Further articles on the subject can be found in The Times an The Telegraph.
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