ALMR welcomes support for anti-below cost campaign

9th October 2008, 9:49am

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has welcomed the renewed focus amongst parliamentarians on the "wildly irresponsible" practice of below-cost selling of alcohol by supermarkets.

The ALMR has been actively campaigning on this issue for over a year. The reckless pricing policies of supermarkets, which have recently seen beer being sold more cheaply than water, are now drawing the attention of MPs. Nigel Evans MP has this week tabled a Parliamentary motion calling for a ban on such practices.

Nick Bish, Chief Executive of the ALMR, said: "We are delighted that our longstanding campaign against below cost selling is finally gaining political traction. The ALMR is urging all MPs to sign this new Early Day Motion to promote a sensible approach to the sale of alcohol.

"Supermarket chains have argued that their priority is to offer good value to customers across the board. This is a cynical and disingenuous position which fails to recognise that alcohol is special case. Pubs and bars know this very well; they are twice-licensed to sell alcohol and to do it responsibly. It is self-evident who the responsible retailers really are.

"In its current review of responsible alcohol sales practice, the Government really must consider the pricing of alcohol in supermarkets, and ban below-cost selling. This can easily be incorporated into its proposed statutory Code of Practice on responsible selling, which must be applied to both the on and off trade."

Related Articles:

• 20 Mar 2009 - ALMR Operations Managers Awards open for entries
• 16 Mar 2009 - ALMR calls for ban on below cost selling

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