Supermarkets are still selling alcohol cheaper than water in some cases, according to new research revealed today.
Addaction, the drug and drinks charity, found own brand drinks are being sold for as cheap as 23p a can, while vodka is on offer for £6.55 a bottle.
In the three supermarkets studied, Tesco, Asda and Sainsbury’s, cider was available for 59p per litre, the organisation said.
Tesco’s lager was 23p a can (26.1p per unit) - cheaper than the equivalent amount in a bottle of water.
The figures came as ministers look set to ditch planned minimum alcohol prices in supermarkets, over worries the move could be another blow for recession-hit consumers.
Addaction said that in some instances alcohol is 40% cheaper than the recommended retail price.
Chief executive Deborah Cameron said: “We see how cheap booze leads to excessive drinking and accidents, injury and reckless behaviour in our treatment centres every day.
“This survey shows there is still an urgent need for the government to take hard action to stop shops selling under-priced drink immediately.”
In October, Asda was criticised by Alcohol Concern for selling Skol cheaper than Evian water.
