MP hits out at 'immoral' supermarkets

Supermarkets are "immoral" and "irresponsible" for selling alcohol below cost, according to an MP.

Asda and Tesco were attacked on their policy of using alcohol as a loss-leader by MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee.

Asda's head of licensing Rob Chester admitted the supermarket did sell alcohol below cost on occasions, but insisted that it was "responsible" because it did not sell to under-18s.

But Tory MP Patrick Mercer said: "May I suggest that we substitute the word responsible for irresponsible or immoral." Tesco said it was forced to sell at low levels due to competition.

Health Secretary Alan Johnson said last week that Government would be "prepared to take mandatory action" on pricing and promotions. Action would depend on the findings of the Sheffield University review — due in August — probing the link between alcohol price and harm.

Meanwhile 27 MPs have signed a new Early Day Motion (EDM) — a petition for MPs — calling for the Government to tackle deep discounting of alcohol in the off-trade.

The EDM from Northampton North MP Sally Keeble wants a "compulsory labelling system for alcoholic drinks. It also wants a limit on point-of-sale promotions for alcohol".