TESCO SUPPORT FOR MINIMUM PRICING WELCOME

TESCO SUPPORT FOR MINIMUM PRICING WELCOME

SUPERMARKETS URGED TO JOIN CALLS FOR MINIMUM PRICE

The SNP today welcomed a statement from Tesco Supermarket that the chain wants to see minimum pricing for alcohol introduced and has called on other supermarket chains to support the move.

The SNP proposal for minimum pricing has won support from a range of drinks firms including Tennents, the Society of Independent Brewers, Edradour distillery, the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, the Innkeepers Association and health professionals and police forces. The legislation is currently being considered by the Scottish Parliament.

SNP MSP and Health Committee member Michael Matheson will be writing to Scotland’s other supermarket chains to urge them to support the measure.

Mr Matheson said:

“There is growing recognition of the problems and cost of alcohol to our society and that a minimum price for alcohol is the most effective way forward.

“Tesco’s action comes with the support of their customers showing that people would rather see steps put in place to change our relationship with alcohol than continue to have access to cheap drink.

“That Tesco continue to sell low cost alcohol is disappointing but emphasises the need for legislation to tackle this problem in a competitive market. I will be writing to Asda, Sainsbury, Morrisons and Co-operative urging them to add their support to Tesco’s and to back the Scottish Government’s proposal for minimum pricing.”