The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has called on all political parties to make a commitment to commence minimum unit pricing as a matter of priority following the general election.
NOffLA members have expressed concerns regarding the scale of deep discounting by supermarkets during the Christmas period as well the delays in commencing minimum unit pricing more than 14 months since the Public Health (Alcohol) Act became law.
Calling For "A Clear Commitment"
NOffLA chairman Gary O'Donovan stated, "As socially conscious independent retailers, NOffLA welcomed the Public Health (Alcohol) Act in 2018. Despite the passage of more than a year, however, we have seen little action to address the critical issue of deep discounting by supermarkets. Our members are concerned by the failure of this government to commence minimum unit pricing, and the serious health risk this poses to consumers.
"In light of this fact, we are calling on all political parties to make a clear commitment in their manifestos to immediately commence minimum unit pricing and honour the spirit of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act by ending reckless alcohol retailing."
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