Public see 'aggressive' supermarket offers as a problem

Supermarkets' "aggressive promotions" are causing people to drink more at home and "sleepwalk" into alcohol dependency, a new report suggests.

The report​, based on a public consultation in London last month, shows that people's awareness of the problems from cheap off-trade alcohol is high and an appetite for minimum pricing is strong.

Newsagents with alcohol licences were also attacked for trying to compete with supermarkets by selling to underage drinkers.

One respondent said: "We shouldn't forget drinking at home, particularly by older adults or those with kids. It means more domestic violence and mental and physical health problems, but a lot of it is hidden."

The report said people are aware that pubs can be part of a "community hub", where "local people can gather and talk, as well as a place where you can find work and information on what is going on in the local area".

It was produced as part of the London Drink Debate, which aims to develop a strategy to help police, the NHS and the drinks industry deal with problems in the capital.

However, many people want to see communities consulted more before alcohol licences are given out and limits on the number of premises - to help stop high streets becoming "no-go" zones.

People also want better education about the "realities" of alcohol. The report said: "Many thought that increased prominence for warnings on alcohol products, similar to those now on all tobacco products, would be a good approach."

A larger report, based on the findings from the consultations will be published later this year.

To have your say visit: http://www.londondrinkdebate.co.uk/

A similar Big Drink Debate is also currently taking place across the South East. For more information visit: www.bigdrinkdebatese.org.uk