Christmas prices to soar under Government plans
- Details
With less than a week to go until Christmas, the Wine & Spirit Trade Association is warning consumers that they could face a price hike of nearly £17 for their drinks shop in future, if the Government presses ahead with its plans for minimum unit pricing of alcohol.
This latest news follows widespread reports of Cabinet splits over the impact of the policy on lower income families. The WSTA’s research shows the true impact that minimum unit pricing, and a multi-buy ban, will have on hard-pressed families preparing for Christmas.
A minimum unit price of 50p, coupled with the proposed ban on multi-buy discounts, would mean that customers stocking up to celebrate Christmas with family and friends could see their drinks shop rise in price from £46.96 to £63.91:
|
Xmas Shopping list |
£-December 12 |
£-Government’s proposals
|
|
3 bottles of wine |
£10 (3 for £10 offer) |
£14.63 |
|
3 bottles of cava |
£11.97 (£3.99 each) |
£12.93 (£4.31 each) |
|
1 bottle Scotch whisky |
£10.32 |
£14 |
|
1 bottle sherry |
£4.67 |
£5.63 |
|
20-pack beer |
£10 |
£16.72 |
|
Total |
£46.96 |
£63.91 |
WSTA Chief Executive Miles Beale said:
“Our research shows the true impact that minimum unit pricing will have on hard pressed families as they prepare for Christmas, adding nearly £17 to a typical Christmas drinks shop. It is unrealistic for the Government to pretend this policy won’t hit responsible consumers, preparing to celebrate Christmas with their family and friends.
“It is time for David Cameron to use some common sense, listen to his Cabinet colleagues, and drop this unfair and ineffective policy now.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors:
Prices based on the following offers available at 14 December 2012:
|
Retailer |
Product / Offer |
Size |
ABV |
Price 2012 |
After MUP / multi-buy ban |
|
Tesco |
Tesco Brut Cava |
750 |
11.5 |
£3.99 |
£4.31 |
|
Asda |
3 bottles of wine for £10 multi-buy |
750ml |
13 |
£10 |
£14.63 |
|
|
Smart-price Scotch Whisky |
700 |
40 |
£10.32 |
£14 |
|
Carlsberg 20 can pack |
440ml |
3.8 |
£10 |
£16.72 |
|
|
Fino Sherry |
750 |
15 |
£4.67 |
£5.63 |
The WSTA is the UK lobbying organisation for the wine and spirit industry representing over 340 companies producing, importing, transporting and selling wines and spirits. We campaign to promote the industry’s interests with governments at home and abroad. We work with our members to promote the responsible production, marketing and sale of alcohol.
For more information please contact Aileen Keyes:
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7089 3881
Mob: +44 (0) 7504 498 656
Email: [email protected]