ALMR wants below-cost ban, not minimum price

A ban on below-cost selling would be more effective than introducing a minimum price, a trade group has argued.

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has said it agrees urgent action is needed to tackle cheap off-trade alcohol deals, but shares Gordon Brown's view that it would punish the "responsible majority".

"Government policies have made it much more expensive for people to drink in a pub - a controlled, well regulated environment - and fuelled increased consumption at home," said ALMR chief executive Nick Bish.

"But we fundamentally disagree on the action plan to tackle that. A one-size-fits-all pricing approach will do nothing to address this."

He added that an "immediate clampdown" on off-trade supply, including restrictions on access and a ban on below-cost selling was needed to address the problems.

However the Campaign for Real Ale are in favour of minimum pricing and have called Gordon Brown "hypocritical" for rejecting the idea on the basis he does not want to penalise the "majoroty of moderate drinkers".

Chief executive Mike Benner said: "If the Prime Minister genuinely wishes to avoid penalizing the majority of moderate drinkers then he must abandon plans for annual above inflation increases in the tax on beer and endorse action to prevent the major supermarkets undermining pubs by selling alcohol at a loss."

Controversial drinks company BrewDog has also backed plans announced by Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson yesterday for a minimum price of 50p a unit - which matches the unit price The Publican ​is calling for in its Make it the Minimum​ campaign.

BrewDog's managing director James Watt branded it a "brilliant move".

"The proposals would end loss-leading special offers, which across the UK currently include 24 500ml lagers for £7," he said.

The miminum price argument also found sympathy among the trade in Northern Ireland.

Colin Neill, chief executive of the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade, which represents more than 70 per cent of licensees, said: "It is an unfortunate reality that in many supermarket chains a can of lager costs less than a can of lemonade, with bottles of cider being sold for less than a bottle of water.

"This needs to stop as a matter of urgency."

He added that the group had called on the executive to consider minimum pricing in Northern Ireland.