Hopes for government action on off-trade deals
The prospect of real action against the supermarkets' booze deals took a step closer to reality last week with the announcement of a government investigation.
The new review came as Safe. Sensible. Social. The Next Steps for the National Alcohol Strategy was unveiled by Home Office minister Vernon Coaker and public health minister Caroline Flint to sensational press reports and a tentative welcome from the trade.
Despite concerns from the industry about the lack of consultation, news that an independent review will be made on the relationship between alcohol price, promotion and harm has been greeted favourably.
It is expected to focus on so-called 'deep discounting' by the supermarkets as well as the on-trade.
John Grogan, MP for Selby and chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group has already tabled an Early Day Motion to raise the issue of supermarket alcohol pricing. It now has the support of almost 200 MPs.
He said: "The announcement that the government is planning to hold a public consultation on alcohol pricing and promotion is excellent news.
"This is a major step forward for the campaign to get the supermarkets to end irresponsible drinks promotions. It is the first sign that government ministers are now taking this issue seriously."
Tony Payne, chief executive of the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, greeted news that supermarket pricing would be targeted. He said: "Cheap prices are just encouraging people to buy more and drink more.
"It's good the government is to look at supermarkets and venues that offer promotions such as 'drink as much as you want' for a fixed price."
BII chief executive John McNamara added: "A pub can be one of the most responsible places to drink alcohol.
"While binge-drinking is an issue that needs to be continually tackled, I am heartened that the government has recognised the impact of drinking in the home."
The British Beer & Pub Association welcomed news that supermarkets' loss-leading on alcohol will be investigated, but it did raise some concerns about the lack of consultation.
The Wine & Spirit Trade Association also questioned why the strategy had been drawn up without full consultation with the trade.
"Given the reliance the government has placed on stakeholder delivery of the strategy I hope the drinks industry will be fully engaged in shaping its implementation," said chief executive Jeremy Beadles.
What do licensees think?
Graham Ford, licensee at the Queen's Head, Cornwall:
"It's good that the government is recognising that supermarkets are deep discounting, but it should be doing something about it. It should put an extra tariff on supermarkets. They have 24/7 opening hours and we don't want them to. That's where the binge-drinkers come from. I'm glad the government has come on board by recognising the fact that supermarkets are part of the problem."
Lee Ellis, licensee at the Blue Anchor, Lancaster:
"Obviously people are more inclined to drink at home now because of the prices and it's definitely affected the pub trade, no two ways about it. It's a start, I suppose. The supermarkets are to blame for younger drinkers, whereas in pubs and clubs it is not as bad because they are supervised."
Donna Peterson, licensee at Bourgognes, Newcastle:
"Discounting in supermarkets is not a good thing. We don't have a problem with the competition but I think low prices encourage binge-drinking. It's good that the government is recognising that it's happening, it's been a very long time coming."
