Supermarket booze slammed again

As the Competition Commission continues its look at the grocery market - the sale of cheap supermarket booze has been highlighted again.

This time the attack comes from an unidentified retailer who sent a submission to the inquiry.

Below Cost selling in my view represents irresponsible retailing of alcohol...the selling price is so far below cost it will attract heavy drinkers and under-age drinkers... and encourage binge drinking.​Independent retailer's submission.

Only recently brewer Scottish & Newcastle highlighted the same problem of below cost booze to the same inquiry.

Below cost​Its submission to the inquiry said supermarkets sell booze at below cost to attract customers through the door.

This time an independent retailer - whose company has over 100 licensed stores across the UK - has attacked the 'irresponsible' sale of cheap wine, beer and spirits.

He says it is driving smaller shops - which cannot compete - out of business.

Irresponsible​In his submission he says: "Below Cost selling in my view also represents irresponsible retailing of alcohol in the large supermarkets as the selling price is so far below cost it will attract heavy drinkers and under-age drinkers to the stores and encourage binge drinking."​

He adds: "For example, half a pint (approximately 280ml) of Stella Artois is about £1.75 in an average British pub, at the large supermarkets the same product is currently just 40 pence for a 284ml bottle."​

To see the full submission click here.

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Your Comments​Ken Nason​ via email 22/09/2006"It seems that many "comment" on the position of cheap booze from supermarkets but few "do" anything about it. Commissions, DTI, Trade all know where the problems are but the finger of suspicion is never brought to bear.

Could this be because those who benefit from this massive lucrative trade are in some way enjoying protection from on high?

Since the indications that restrictions were to be placed on " irresponsible" alcohol sales(ban the happy hour, etc.) licensees have been asking " what about the supermarkets"?

If pubs marketed their alcohol sales the same way that supermarkets do, the local LA would immediately revoke their license without any problem and local police would be up in arms and threaten prosecution.

So the question remains why not supermakets? "