ALMR backs action on supermarkets

The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) is backing a united lobbying effort to ensure there's no "wriggle room" for supermarkets in the crackdown on cheap deals.

The ALMR is to circulate a letter to members and licensees to raise its concerns, and has presented its ideas to ministers, said head of communications Kate Nicholls.

The news follows Michael Kheng of bar group Kurnia's campaign to highlight fears that a ban on below-cost sales may not stop supermarkets selling at rock-bottom prices.

Nicholls said: "The ALMR fully supports and endorses Michael's campaign to educate politicians about the realities of below cost selling.

"Kurnia is an ALMR member and this is an issue on which we have been campaigning since 2007 when we first drew attention to the multi-million pounds of alcohol sold below cost during the last World Cup.

"We have been actively engaged with Conservative spokesmen on this issue before the General Election and will continue to engage with them going forward to ensure that the legislation is tightly drafted and avoids any degree of wriggle room.

"Michael is right to point out that the devil will be in the detail - and our job is to make sure that detail is right and that the situation he outlines cannot come to pass."

She added: "It is not enough just to deal with price, we also need to deal with when and how alcohol is sold in supermarkets."

Nicholls said de-regulation of alcohol sales under the Licensing Act allowed supermarkets to "exploit alcohol as a footfall driver".

"The reintroduction of controls through the licensing regime would help to reduce the incentive to loss lead.

"We also need the Alcohol Code to be amended to tackle off trade promotions.

"We have presented these comprehensive proposals to ministers and will be circulating a letter for members and licensees to use to raise the issue with their constituency MP.

"Only a concerted and comprehensive package will effectively tackle the menace of pocket money prices and irresponsible promotions in the off-trade.

"The supermarkets may accept that the days of large volume, high price promotions are over, but unless we button down every element, they will simply turn their attention elsewhere to encourage ready-to-drink.

"For example, last week Tesco was selling 30 cans for £16, or 69p per pint. This week it is double G&T for £1."