A Labour MP has sparked an inquiry into a drinks deal at Tesco, claiming it used "bait advertising" to lure customers in.
Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire saw red when she visited a Tesco store in Liverpool, hoping to pick a 1-litre bottle of Baileys for a bargain £8.
To her annoyance she found the item was "out of stock" and when she quizzed staff the MP claims she was told the store in Liverpool had received hardly any stock at the bargain price.
She also complained that bottles of Jacobs Creek wine advertised at £3.00 were being sold for £5.99.
Now, Liverpool Trading Standards officers, along with the Advertising Standards Agency, are looking into a potential breach of the Code on Advertising Practice.
"This is a classic example of big business exploiting loyal customers," said Cooper.
"They should not continue to advertise offers which are not available in the store.
"In fact it would be good business practice to give customers attempting to purchase these items a promissory note that says when the goods are in stock they will be sold to the customer at the 'offer' price."
She added: "If these big stores are making these big promises of discounted goods then they should have the stock to back it up.
"At the very least they should offer a raincheck voucher when the offer goods are not available so they can be obtained when stock arrives.
"Otherwise they are luring customers on false pretences with 'bait advertising' and that is just not acceptable.
"Tesco's need to realise they are not a law unto themselves and cannot do what they like and breach the regulations on advertising offers like this with impunity."
A Tesco spokesperson said: "We offer hundreds of promotions in store and online every single week.
"These offers are incredibly popular and products sold fast as credit crunch hit customers prepared for Christmas by taking advantage of great deals."
A spokesman for the Liverpool Trading Standards Office said: "Bait advertising is completely illegal and if the trader is found to be in breach of the regulations then the trader could face a substantial fine or be at risk of prosecution."
• Read more at: www.clickliverpool.com.