Reports claim binge link to supermarkets

Supermarkets are encouraging binge-drinking by selling cheap booze, two more submissions to the Competition Commission have claimed.

A submission from an independent retailer and another from Alcohol Focus Scotland to the inquiry investigating the power of the big four supermarkets warned that the policy of driving footfall via alcohol promotions was "irresponsible". The comments followed similar claims to the inquiry by Scottish & Newcastle last month.

"Below-cost selling represents irresponsible retailing of alcohol in the large supermarkets - a selling-price so far below cost attracts heavy drinkers and under-age drinkers to the stores and encourages binge-drinking," said the unidentified retailer, which has 100 UK sites.

An investigation by Alcohol Focus Scotland found sales of alcoholic drinks rising between 20% and 25% during promotions and special offers such as three-for-twos.

It also found that 83% of customers who purchase alcohol during a promotion return for a second purchase.

Chief executive Jack Law said it was not unreasonable to assume that alcohol promotions in the off-trade "contribute to excessive and dangerous drinking at home".

He added: "For too long the major retailers have been putting profits before their social responsibilities by selling alcohol at ridiculously low prices and encouraging customers to purchase more than they intended via clever promotions.

"Alcohol is a very different product from any other - a special offer on bread or milk will not harm individuals and communities in the same way as a special offer on alcohol."

The Competition Com-mission is due to report back in October 2007.