Asda is selling boxes of Budweiser containing 24 300ml bottles for £11 – the equivilant of 87p a pint - something that the ALMR claims is ‘irresponsible’. Last year, the supermarket pledged to the Government it would not sell alcohol below duty plus VAT.
Kate Nicholls, ALMR strategic affairs director, said: “A year ago the government vowed to bring in a ban on below-tax sales, but we are still waiting for this to happen. This offer highlights the need for a ban not only to be implemented, but also the current duty plus VAT definition extended – as a matter of urgency.
“In addition, we would urge the government to go further by applying extra controls on off-trade sales. The 2003 Licensing Act effectively swept away controls on siting, promotions and bulk purchases in shops.”
The ALMR want to see restrictions on bulk or wholesale volume purchases and a ban on irresponsible promotions and the use of price in advertising. They also want alcohol to only be sold in certain isles.
Nicholls added: “Unless there are additional controls beyond the below-tax ban, the government’s health priorities will continue to be fatally undermined.”
