Grogan questions reports of PM's 11pm shop booze curfew
All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group chairman John Grogan MP has cast doubt on media reports that Gordon Brown plans to ban shops and supermarkets selling alcohol after 11pm.
Reports on Tuesday said pubs could serve alcohol late, but restrictions would apply to off-trade premises under a "blitz" to start within weeks.
Grogan said: "I don't see how they can do this unless they are going to rush a bill through both Houses of Parliament." He said it was the "wrong target" as below-cost selling and pre-loading are the main problems.
The reports come as Brown faces renewed pressure to appear tough on alcohol. They follow a tide of negative reports of cheap supermarket booze and new calls for higher alcohol tax and stringent restrictions on drinks marketing.
Young's retail director Patrick Dardis has called for a ban on pub and supermarket drinks promotion ads - to stave off big duty hikes.
"The industry is trying to stop another increase in duty but, because of the binge drinking problem, I fear this is going to happen," said Dardis.
"Both sides of the trade must take action and I would support a ban on all up-front price discount and promotional advertising.
"The only area where prices could be displayed would be directly at the point of sale.
"A voluntary agreement will not happen because we are working in a fragmented marketplace. It may well be this type of ban will have to come through legislation."
l Attack on price wars - p5
l AHA alcohol tax plan - p6
