Supermarkets 'just giving away' alcohol, says peer

To address irresponsible drinking, four areas that require tighter conditions relating to drinks promotions were outlined. These include the provision of free water, the adoption and application of age verification policies, and the provision of small measures at licensed premises.

However, Lord Kennedy of Southwark said off-trade promotions should be addressed to reduce alcohol related crime: “When I go shopping at the weekend or on a bank holiday and walk past the beer mountain at the entrance to the shop, I always look at the price of it. They are just giving it away. That, too, is irresponsible, and perhaps we should look at that as well.”

He said irresponsible promotions in supermarkets contributed to people drinking at home, which “can lead to violence against women.”

“There are issues with people drinking at home and the problems that arise from that,” he said.

Unacceptable​

The debate was raised by Lord Popat to examine the provisions to be made. He stated that the cost of alcohol-fuelled crime in England and Wales is £11 bn, which he called “unacceptable”.

Popat said: “Licensed premises have a part to play in reducing alcohol-related crime by ensuring that they are responsible retailers of alcohol. The amendments to the mandatory licensing conditions will not only tighten the conditions to ensure that alcohol is sold responsibly but clarify them so that retailers can take steps to avoid a breach.

“Now and in the future we must build upon and maintain this momentum and our commitment to reduce the harm caused by alcohol to consumers and their families, to the thousands of victims of alcohol-related crime, to local communities and to the businesses that are vital for our economy.”

The motion to implement measures including provision of free water, adopting age validation measures, tightening measures against irresponsible drinking and offering provisions of small measure alcohol in liceensed premises was agreed.