ALMR chief rejects calls for minimum pricing

Trade leader Nick Bish has claimed that a ban on below-cost selling, rather than minimum pricing, would be the most effective way to tackle supermarket alcohol prices.

Responding to comments from Noctis chairman Jon Collins that nightclubs and bars would welcome minimum pricing following the launch of The Publican's Make it the Minimum campaign, the chief executive of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) said the step would be akin to "using sledgehammer to crack a nut".

But Bish claimed a ban on below-cost selling would be a "sensible, targeted move".

"Cost price, including alcohol duty plus VAT, provides a clear benchmark," he said. "Banning this practice would be much simpler for the government, and would prevent the ridiculous regulatory situation of the Secretary of State setting the price of a pint of beer."

He welcomed other comments from Collins on the need for late-night operators to reduce the number of irresponsible promotions on offer.

"Their actions have meant that much of the focus has slipped from those who are the biggest problem with regard to promoting irresponsible drinking - supermarkets. As a result, the whole of the on-trade has all too often become the focus of criticism, allowing supermarkets to get away scot-free," he said.

As well as Noctis, other supporters of The Publican's campaign for a minimum price include the Federation of Licensed Victuallers' Associations, the Campaign for Real Ale and major brewer Coors.

Speaking earlier this week, Noctis chairman Jon Colins said: "We believe that minimum pricing is the solution and we support The Publican's far-sighed campaign.

"We know that high-street operators would happily comply with minimum pricing because they believe that this would take excess competition out of the market and would allow them to compete on what they do best."