Trade leaders fear that the latest round of price cuts by supermarkets may fuel a rise in summer street drinking, resulting in behavioural problems that will be blamed on pubs.
The supermarket summer price war has seen beers up to 50% cheaper, with some now retailing for the equivalent of 45p a pint. Deals currently on offer at the supermarkets include two packs of 20 bottles of Stella Artois for £14 and two packs of 20 cans of Carling for £14 at Somerfield. Sainsbury's is offering a pack of 24 Carlsberg for £13.99 while Morrisons is offering any three six-pack bottles of Stella Artois, Carlsberg Export or Grolsch for £10.
British Beer & Pub Association chief executive Mark Hastings said the potential impact of such promotions on town centres was 'concerning. He said: 'These promotions could fuel street drinking in town centres and drive certain types of disorderly behaviour.
Scunthorpe licensee Ian Charles, who is campaigning against an Asda store's application for a 24-hour licence, said: 'It is totally unfair for us to get the blame when people are half drunk when they turn up.
Bar Entertainment & Dance Association chairman John added: 'Drinking habits have changed and people now get pie-eyed at home before hitting the circuit. The supermarkets have damaged the industry beyond belief.
However, Hastings said that reduced off-trade prices would not stop people going to the pub. 'Cheap drinks prices are way down the list of priorities for people going to the pub, he said. 'People go to the pub to have a good time with their friends. A night out at Tesco is just not the same.
Summer price war cuts cost of a pint in store
Stella Artois
2 packs of 20 bottles for £14
60p a pint
Grolsch
1 pack of 24 bottles for £9.99
79p a pint
Stella Artois
2 packs of 4 cans for £6
96p a pint
Carlsberg
1 pack of 24 cans for £9.99
54p a pint
Stella Artois
1 pack of 12 bottles for £10.20
£1.46 a pint
Carling
2 packs of 20 cans for £14
45p a pint
Carlsberg
1 pack of 24 cans for £13.99
65p a pint
Budweiser
Pack of 20 bottles for £10.99
95p a pint
San Miguel, Tiger or Sol
3 packs for £9
86p a pint
Budweiser
1 pack of 20 bottles for £8.99
£1.28 a pint