Supermarkets slammed for selling alcohol at below cost

Supermarkets have been criticised for selling alcohol at below-cost price by the Royal College of Physicians, which it believes is bad for the public’s health.

The RCP submitted evidence to the current Competition Commission inquiry into whether supermarkets have too dominant a position in the groceries market after the inquiry revealed that 10 supermarket chains had used below-cost selling, particularly for alcohol. The RCP thinks the likely result of selling alcohol so cheaply is more alcohol-related disease, social disorder and other social problems and it said it was ‘highly irresponsible’ for supermarkets to do it.

While bargain bottles are undoubtedly good news for the consumer’s pocket and it’s hard not to be tempted by some of the cut-price offers, the RCP’s view is that, ‘If supermarkets wish to make a positive contribution to the health of the nation and be more socially responsible, they could switch to discounting healthy foods.’