ALMR: Tesco all talk and no action on cut price booze

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has slammed Tesco for ducking its responsibilities in regard to cheap booze promotions.

The supermarket giant said today it recognised its responsibilities but that the Government had to legislate as any discussions on price with competitors could be seen as a cartel.

However, ALMR chief executive Nick Bish said Tesco's stance amounted to lots of talk and no action.

"They claim to recognise that they have a role to play in addressing the problem of anti-social drinking, but have taken no steps to do so,"​ he said.

"They are so addicted to below-cost selling that they appear unwilling or unable to moderate their own behaviour and instead need legislation to stop them.​

"Every day, pubs and bars have to make the commercial and moral decision not to compete on price and to resist irresponsible promotions.

"It beggars belief to suggest that the UK's biggest off-licence retailer is unable to do the same.

"There is absolutely nothing to stop Tesco from unilaterally taking action to ban below cost selling in its outlets.

"Far from being 'commercial suicide', it would actually make their alcohol sales more competitive - and does anyone seriously believe that it would make people stop shopping at Tesco?"

The ALMR is campaigning for a ban on below cost selling, restrictions on the cross-promotion of alcohol with other groceries and the siting of alcohol within the stores.

It wants supermarkets to follow the example of the on-trade which developed a voluntary code of practice on pricing and promotions in 2004.

Bish added: "Alcohol misuse is a serious problem and it needs a grown-up response. ​

"As Tesco says, 'every little helps', and a clear signal from the market leader that below cost selling is unacceptable would do just that."