Comment: A cheap shot

Last week Home Secretary Jacqui Smith used a major speech on alcohol policy to make some constructive points about the progress the on-trade is making regarding responsible retailing.

However, that didn't prevent her from using the opportunity to fire a warning shot across the bows of pubs, bars, clubs and brand owners.

"Research has found there are still too many licensed premises that are not managed responsibly," she said. "There are still promotions for 50p shots."

I agree. This kind of pricing and behaviour is no longer welcome in the industry. It does so much to undermine the hard work of licensees and some pub companies across the UK.But may I suggest there are too many off-trade outlets selling shots for similarly ridiculous prices - if not worse. The difference is they're not selling on promotion. When she's not busy visiting the kebab houses of Peckham, I wonder if Smith has ever ventured to her local Tesco and looked at the spirits aisle?

There you can find litre bottles of Smirnoff Red vodka selling for 50p a shot; a litre bottle of Vladivar sells for £14.98. That equates to 43p a shot. And litre bottles of Tesco's own label Imperial sell for £9.77 a go - that's 34p a shot to me and you.

Why aren't we hearing about these prices, Mrs Smith? Why does the government appear to have a mental block when it comes to supermarkets' role in the whole pricing and promotion debate? Answers to your nearest licensees please…