Why is the off-trade off limits?

Licensees in England and Wales will be furious to hear supermarkets in these countries are being given a green light to continue selling alcohol at their current crazy prices, while in Scotland the authorities are moving to crack down.

Why is Government here so reluctant to tackle the off-trade? The evidence is now overwhelming that binge drinking is being fuelled by cheap supermarket and off-licence booze. Park-bench and market-square drinking by youngsters excluded from pubs has been on the rise for the past 18 months and is the single biggest social-disorder problem faced by most towns across the UK.

Scotland has seen the damage done by below-cost selling and is moving to prohibit deep discounting practices. No doubt the Scottish Government will be challenged every step of the way as it moves to legislate against the retailers. But by seizing the higher ground this way, the debate has moved on and deep blue water has opened up between the off and on-trade. The majority of Scottish consumers who consume sensibly may not like paying more for their alcohol, but they will surely understand and support the move.

The vast majority of people in England and Wales would probably also feel the quality of their lives improve if drunken and often violent youngsters were not so evident in their neighbourhoods.

Perhaps it was a mistake to look to the Competition Commission to solve this problem. Health and public order issues are not part of its remit. Instead, we must hope the Government inquiry into alcohol pricing that begins shortly will come up with more helpful recommendations.

But what we must also hope is that Government avoids raising taxes on alcohol across the board, forcing up prices in pubs as well as supermarkets. That would achieve absolutely nothing.

The real answer, of course, is educating young people to treat alcohol more responsibly - and that is a long-term cultural task that is still not being pursued energetically enough by Government.

If you're looking for innovation and entrepreneurial drive, then look no further than the MA 100 Club, a new body of multiple operators that we unveil today. This new club of dynamic multiple operators is the backbone of the trade, and we will be saluting its contribution over the coming months and years. Full story - pages 19-40.