An MP has spoken out on an "unholy price war" as supermarket's alcohol discounts and offers are rolled out in the run up to Christmas. Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland, Chair of the cross-party Save the Pub group, said in a commons debate:
"As we approach the festive season of Christmas, an unholy price war has broken out in the supermarkets over the sale of alcohol. Tesco are now offering two 70 centilitre bottles of top spirit brands for just £20, Asda selling one litre bottles of spirits for just £15 and Sainsbury's and Morrisons selling Baileys at half price."
Mr Mulholland also asked for a statement on when the below cost ban will happen, and "whether it will cover irresponsible promotions that do nothing to encourage responsible drinking, and damage the pub industry?". The question follows the recent publication of the Home Office business plan which indicates below cost legislation will be introduced in May 2012 but only "if necessary".
The answering MP George Young said licensing changes will be introduced shortly "to address the pressures caused by excessive late-night drinking". He finished by stating "It is also our policy to ban the sale of alcohol at below cost in supermarkets". See reports from The Publican and the Press Association.
A Tesco spokesman said: "We are coming up to Christmas, purse strings are tight and people are looking to save money. We are not just doing special offers on alcohol either, but things like Pringles and Sprite." A Sainsbury’s spokesman commented: "It is important to remember that the overwhelming majority of our customers buy alcohol as part of their weekly shop and drink responsibly in their own home."
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