Supermarkets are in many cases selling alcohol at 1980s prices, according to a new investigation.
The Sunday Mail in Scotland claimed that numerous beverages are almost as cheap as they were 25 years ago – with a bottle of wine in Asda retailing for 15p cheaper than in 1983.
Based on prices from defunct outfit Templeton, the paper said that prices have not risen in line with inflation, which has jumped 152% since then.
Opponents to low supermarket pricing have said that such promotions are helping to exacerbate drinking problems in the country, because drinks in these stores are not as expensive as they are in pubs.
Chief executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association Paul Waterson said: “The big four supermarkets are charging pocket money prices for alcohol. They are using them as loss leaders to get people to buy other groceries.”
Last week, plans to increase the purchasing age of alcohol in shops from 18 to 21 were voted down by politicians in the Scottish parliament.
But justice secretary Kenny MacAskill has said that tough legislation is needed in a bid to solve problems linked to drinking.
