Ministers have rejected calls for minimum alcohol pricing to be introduced in supermarkets, the Queen’s Speech is expected to reveal this week.
There will be a ban on promotions that encourage drinking, such as two-for-one offers, but supermarkets will not have to set a minimum price as the government does not want to harm consumer confidence in the economic downturn.
Coming after exclusive TalkingRetail.com figures found shoppers back discount booze deals, home secretary Jacqui Smith said voluntary attempts to cut promotions have not been successful.
She said this is why fresh legislation will be introduced in the coming year.
Smith commented: “We will now bring forward proposals for mandatory conditions on everybody – the on-trade, the off-trade, off licences, all pubs and bars, supermarkets – who sells alcohol to stop some of those most irresponsible promotions.”
Last week, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said Alistair Darling should rethink his decision to increase excise duty on wine to 8%, after he backtracked over the rise on spirits.
