The government is preparing to amend licensing laws so that supermarkets will be able to consult with each other about increasing the price of the alcohol they sell.
At the moment they deflect criticism about selling booze as a loss-leader by pointing out that they could face hefty penalties under competition laws if they collude on prices.
The Home Office, which is determined to crack down on binge-drinking, is also proposing to increase fines on shops which sell alcohol to under-age teenagers. Campaigners say there is “no doubt” that the harmful consumption of alcohol is being driven by the off-licence rather than on-licence trade.
Professor Ian Gilmore, president of the Royal College of Physicians, is particularly concerned about so-called “white cider”, sold very cheaply in cut-price supermarkets in deprived areas and which he claims has “never seen an apple”.
As calls grow for taxes to be increased on alcoholic drinks, he points out that the tax on cider is just 25p a litre, compared to 90p on the same-strength beer.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown wants to see alcoholic content and safe daily consumption limits displayed on the majority of drinks labels by the end of the year.
The Guardian 01/03/08 page 6
