Hopes of action on discount deals sparked by Scottish plans

By James Wilmore

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Cheap supermarket alcohol Scotland England

Radical proposals to tackle cheap supermarket alcohol deals north of the border have raised further hopes of decisive government action in England...

Radical proposals to tackle cheap supermarket alcohol deals north of the border have raised further hopes of decisive government action in England and Wales.

The Scottish Executive last week unveiled wide-ranging plans to introduce a minimum price on a unit of alcohol, a ban on cut-price promotions and a ban on off-trade sales to under-21s.

Proposals for alcohol-only checkouts in large supermarkets were also announced as well as a social responsibility levy on licensed premises, similar to alcohol disorder zones.

Following consultation the measures would become law in 2009.

And the moves have heightened speculation that England and Wales will follow suit in the government's bid to tackle alcohol-related problems.

Labour MP John Grogan, an outspoken critic of supermarket deals, said: "These proposals present a challenge to the government and the other political parties to see if they would support the minimum pricing of alcohol.

"It's not an easy decision to take in an inflationary period - nevertheless it's one that can be discussed."

The Department of Health (DoH) insists any such action on minimum pricing or loss-leading rides on the outcome of a Sheffield University study on the pricing and promotion of alcohol.

The first phase of the report is expected to be published next month. However, the second phase - which could influence government policy - is not due until later in the summer.

A DoH spokeswoman told The Publican: "Should we decide regulation is merited, we will consult fully on the proposals. Currently, we have no proposals to raise the legal age at which alcohol can be purchased.

"The government's approach in England has been to strictly enforce underage sales with the alcohol industry, to crack down on irresponsible promotions and provide comprehensive information about alcohol to adults, young people and parents."

However, reports in the national press have suggested that ministers are talking about ordering a minimum price of between 35p and 40p a unit.

Commenting on the reports, Grogan added: "This reflects the fact there is a real heated debate going on in government as to what to do when the DoH study comes out and how to respond to the Scottish government plans announced this week.

"As someone who would support action on minimum pricing I am pleased that the Home Office and the DoH are taking their gloves off to fight for it."

Mark Hastings, communications director at the British Beer & Pub Association, said the government was "actively and vigorously looking at how to grab supermarkets by the scruff of the neck and make them wake up to their responsibilities when it comes to loss-leading".

He added that the issues around competition law, which would have to be adjusted to incorporate minimum pricing, were "at the core of the debate". "There are legal opinions on both sides," Hastings said.

Related topics Legislation

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