MPs launch early day motion attacking supermarkets for selling cheap booze

The head of the influential All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group has launched an early day motion (EDM) in the House of Commons attacking the price of alcohol sold through the off trade.

John Grogan, Labour MP for Selby and chairman of the biggest cross-party interest group, said in the EDM: “This House believes that the substantial price differential between alcohol sold in pubs and that sold in the off-trade is exacerbating the problem of binge drinking.”

Grogan urged supermarkets to follow the example set by the pub trade to outlaw irresponsible price promotions - which encourage binge drinking - and end the practice of offering drinks promotions in store as loss-leaders to attract costumers.

Speaking at the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group’s Christmas party at Westminster this Tuesday (12 December) John Dunsmore, chairman of the British Beer & Pub Association, said that with licensing reform implemented and a smoking ban date set for England and Wales, “supermarket pricing is the issue that will dominate 2007 for our industry”.

Concern over 24-hour drinking unfounded, says BBPA