Row brewing over super-strength lager
Carlsberg has hit back at a London council's bid to solve street drinking problems by taking super-strength lagers off the shelves.
In Westminster 25 supermarkets and off-licences have signed up to a scheme to drop products such as Carlsberg Special Brew, Tennants Extra and Diamond White.
But Gareth Roberts, head of media at Carlsberg, said education is needed to address the problems associated with street drinking.
He told thepublican.com: "If you remove strong beers you leave on the shelf products such as wine and spirits which have a higher ABV than beer.
"I don't think it solves the problem. I think there is more we need to do with educating people on the alcohol they are drinking from a behavioural point of view.
"I also think it is unfair to say that super strength lager is targeted at alcoholics and drug users.
"We are watching the situation in Westminster and seeing how it develops. So far we are not aware of any stores taking it off the shelves."
Tesco, Waitrose, Budgens, Londis and Threshers are among those that have voluntarily joined the scheme which covers Marylebone High Street, Victoria and Pimlico.
The central London borough, which is known for its hardline approach on licensing issues, wants to address problems such as begging, street urination and drug dealing.
Westminster councillor Audrey Lewis said: "We need to address the very real social problems which alcohol causes and contributes to, and we have found supermarkets and off-licences are increasingly prepared to join us in taking firm action to help their local community.
"They are willing to do this if they know that their competitors will be doing the same.
"Cheap, super-strength alcohol is aimed at alcoholics, drug users and some of the most vulnerable and needy members of society."
