To view the original article (Killed by vodka binge) Click Here
Title – Asda attacked for 90p lager 4-pack / Killed by vodka bingeSource – Metro
Date – 8th October 2008
If ever proof were needed as to why it seems to be becoming more inevitable that the government will intervene, then here is one example. If beer is being sold for 23p a can, the argument for minimum pricing really makes itself; even those within the trade will find it difficult to defend that. I have talked about pricing before in this blog, especially in regard to supermarkets; I know we are in the middle of a ‘economic downturn’ but even with all the arguments 23p a can is just a little more ‘value’ than is reasonable.
Following the leak from the Home Office, it seems inevitable that with time more regulation will be placed on alcohol retailers, including the possibility of minimum pricing, potentially based on a ‘minimum price per unit’ and possibly regulation in regard to alcohol promotion.
Much of the focus of potential new regulation seems to be on the on-trade, with references being made to ‘Happy Hours’ and ‘Sampling’. One of the questions should be; what constitutes a happy hour? We have a fair idea when it comes to the on-trade, but the happy hour is in effect just a price promotion for a specific period, so will this also affect the discounting in supermarkets that takes place before and on every bank holiday? Therefore are restrictions going to redress the balance between the on and off trade or make it more unbalanced?
It is not an easy balance to make, because although the on and off trade cater to similar markets and in part sell the same product, their business models are vastly different and the result of their actions are also very different. There is not a ‘one size fits all solution’ and any rash new regulation could easily tip the balance one way or the other resulting in more businesses failing, higher unemployment, less choice and less value for the customer, without actually substantially reducing the negative effects on those in our communities that drink excessively.
This article also covers the tragic death of a Warwick University Student following a bet that he could drink 20 shots (half a litre) of vodka in 20 minutes. This is the equivalent of 20 Units or more of alcohol, which is equivalent to the recommended weekly allowance for men; in just 20 minutes. Undoubtedly an extreme case, but from my experience in Universities not a unique one. No details of where this happened were given, so I will make no further comment, except to warn others and alcohol retailers especially, to be aware of the potential dangers of this type of activity and to do what they can to prevent it.
Beyond The Blue run the portfolio of BIIAB approved Licensed Retail Sector qualification including the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing (ARAR) which is directed at front line staff to help them understand their legal and moral responsibilities in the sale of alcohol as well as the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH) for those people working in the sector who require the qualification in order to apply for their Personal License to allow them to sell and authorise the sale of alcohol.
We also believe strongly in the BIIAB Schools Project which provides training in schools and universities to pupils and students which demonstrates not only the effects and potential effects of alcohol on the body, but also promotes the sensible drinking message.
Please visit our website please visit at
www.btbl.co.ukDate – 8th October 2008
If ever proof were needed as to why it seems to be becoming more inevitable that the government will intervene, then here is one example. If beer is being sold for 23p a can, the argument for minimum pricing really makes itself; even those within the trade will find it difficult to defend that. I have talked about pricing before in this blog, especially in regard to supermarkets; I know we are in the middle of a ‘economic downturn’ but even with all the arguments 23p a can is just a little more ‘value’ than is reasonable.
Following the leak from the Home Office, it seems inevitable that with time more regulation will be placed on alcohol retailers, including the possibility of minimum pricing, potentially based on a ‘minimum price per unit’ and possibly regulation in regard to alcohol promotion.
Much of the focus of potential new regulation seems to be on the on-trade, with references being made to ‘Happy Hours’ and ‘Sampling’. One of the questions should be; what constitutes a happy hour? We have a fair idea when it comes to the on-trade, but the happy hour is in effect just a price promotion for a specific period, so will this also affect the discounting in supermarkets that takes place before and on every bank holiday? Therefore are restrictions going to redress the balance between the on and off trade or make it more unbalanced?
It is not an easy balance to make, because although the on and off trade cater to similar markets and in part sell the same product, their business models are vastly different and the result of their actions are also very different. There is not a ‘one size fits all solution’ and any rash new regulation could easily tip the balance one way or the other resulting in more businesses failing, higher unemployment, less choice and less value for the customer, without actually substantially reducing the negative effects on those in our communities that drink excessively.
This article also covers the tragic death of a Warwick University Student following a bet that he could drink 20 shots (half a litre) of vodka in 20 minutes. This is the equivalent of 20 Units or more of alcohol, which is equivalent to the recommended weekly allowance for men; in just 20 minutes. Undoubtedly an extreme case, but from my experience in Universities not a unique one. No details of where this happened were given, so I will make no further comment, except to warn others and alcohol retailers especially, to be aware of the potential dangers of this type of activity and to do what they can to prevent it.
Beyond The Blue run the portfolio of BIIAB approved Licensed Retail Sector qualification including the Award in Responsible Alcohol Retailing (ARAR) which is directed at front line staff to help them understand their legal and moral responsibilities in the sale of alcohol as well as the National Certificate for Personal Licence Holders (NCPLH) for those people working in the sector who require the qualification in order to apply for their Personal License to allow them to sell and authorise the sale of alcohol.
We also believe strongly in the BIIAB Schools Project which provides training in schools and universities to pupils and students which demonstrates not only the effects and potential effects of alcohol on the body, but also promotes the sensible drinking message.
Please visit our website please visit at
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