15/01/2007

Action is needed to stop supermarkets selling lager for just pennies more than water – says a leading campaign group.

A survey by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has revealed that, in the worst cases, Fosters and Carlsberg lager are available for the equivalent of just 54p a pint – just 5p more than a pint of bottled water.

Mike Benner, CAMRA chief executive, says supermarkets are undermining efforts to curb irresponsible drinking: “The ridiculous practice of the major supermarkets selling below cost for alcohol to out-price each other is reckless, irresponsible and dangerous,” he said.