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Press Release

RETAILERS REFUTE UNFOUNDED BINGE DRINKING CLAIMS

25 August 2005

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has today refuted claims that Supermarkets are fuelling a binge drinking 'free for all' by taking advantage of the new, more flexible licensing laws.

In an independent survey by HI Europe for The Grocer magazine, 85% of those interviewed also said that supermarkets selling alcohol 24 hours a day would not encourage them to drink more. 86% of the general public believe supermarkets are "not in any way to blame" for binge drinking. Over two-thirds of people felt that the behaviour of supermarket promotions was not irresponsible.

BRC Director General Kevin Hawkins said: "The way alcohol is bought and consumed from supermarkets is completely different to pubs and clubs. There is no link between the sale of alcohol by the off trade and the type of night time disorder that is being tackled by the Home Office. Alcohol is typically bought from retailers for consumption at home and therefore cannot be linked to the drunk crowds exiting pubs and clubs in the evenings and the alcohol fuelled disorder that follows.

"Supermarkets sell a range of goods and alcohol is just a part of peoples grocery shop, so it should be available to buy regardless of the time of day. 24-hour licenses give retailers an opportunity to meet the needs of all customers and adapt to the changes in consumers lifestyles. It is only natural that they want to take advantage of this.

"Supermarkets are not to blame for binge drinking and its antisocial side effects. Binge drinking is a serious social problem that needs to be addressed by an effective education campaign that brings about cultural change."

The BRC is committed to working with Government to promote sensible drinking and combat alcohol misuse. All retailers promote sensible drinking and practice the responsible retailing of alcohol, which include promotions, not serving people who they suspect are drunk or those who they suspect are buying for under age people. Retailers also use and promote PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme).



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British Retail Consortium

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