Supermarkets urged to introduce dedicated alcohol aisles

Alcohol should be kept away from food and soft drinks in supermarkets, according to a campaign group.

UK charity Alcohol Concern wants supermarkets in England and Wales to follow Scotland’s lead and keep wine and beer in restricted aisles, rather than near the tills and in food aisles.

Don Shenker, Alcohol Concern’s chief executive, said: "It’s now common practice to sell wine next to ready-meals, pushing the idea that a relaxing meal should be accompanied by an alcoholic drink.

"Such practices help fuel a drinking culture where one in four people in England are already drinking at levels that are harming their health."

Shenker has accused supermarkets of "saturating" their aisles with alcohol.

The idea has been met with criticism from the retail sector. Andrew Opie, food director for the British Retail Consortium, said: "Supermarkets are the most responsible sellers of alcohol. There’s no evidence to link the way alcohol is sold currently to irresponsible drinking.

"Limiting supermarket displays would create inconvenience for the vast majority of customers who enjoy alcohol sensibly.”

Meanwhile Gavin Partington from the Wine and Spirit Trade Association said there was no evidence from Scotland to suggest that a change in where alcohol is displayed had any impact on tackling alcohol misuse.

"Far from demonising alcohol, surely we should encourage people to drink with food. Most people enjoy drinks in this way and that’s why they are happy to buy them as part of their weekly shop,” Partington said.

Lucy Shaw, 07.03.2011