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Tesco debates government wish to limit cut-price alcohol sales

Published:  23 July, 2008

Tesco said it wants to debate with Government ways to limit the sale of cut-price alcohol amid growing concerns over the damage binge drinking does to society.

Supermarkets have come under intense pressure from police, doctors and politicians to raise prices.

Leading doctors have called for a higher tax on alcohol and a ban on drink promotions to tackle "spiralling" alcohol abuse in the UK.

The Government should make the changes in law to ensure the "responsible pricing" of alcohol, the British Medical Association said.

It announced a raft of measures to curb alcohol abuse as supermarket giant Tesco - which has made millions from cut price booze deals - also called for legislation to force retailers to raise their prices.

Supermarkets have faced criticism for selling alcohol with big reductions - sometimes below the wholesale cost - as a "loss leader".

There is concern the practice is fuelling the problems of weekend binge-drinking and alcohol-related crime and disorder.

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