ALMR slams Tesco's loss-leading online sales

June 10, 2008: The Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR) has renewed its criticism of superstore operator Tesco this time for selling cheap alcohol online.

Tesco has announced a series of 'Big Pack Beer Deals' which enables online
customers to buy 60 284ml bottles of Stella Artois or 45 440ml cans of John
Smith’s for just £20,equating to 66p and 56p per pint respectively.

The promotion comes in the week that Conservative MP Patrick Mercer
branded Tesco “immoral” and “irresponsible” after it admitted to his Home Affairs Select Committee that it sells alcohol at below cost.

ALMR chief executive Nick Bish said: “In a week when they've admitted loss leading and been branded irresponsible and immoral, Tesco is at it again. This promotion is irresponsible on three counts. Firstly, the prices are remarkable — five times below that seen in a typical pub. Secondly, the volumes involved are enormous and encourage excessive consumption. Thirdly, as an internet promotion, the normal checks on underage sales are limited.

“Tesco’s offer comes directly in the wake of the commencement of Alcohol
Disorder Zone regulations. Now we have these offers which are an inducement to downloading for pre-loading — but responsible pubs and bars will be left to pick up the tab.”