ASDA has been asked if it is “killing” its customers with cheap drink.
A Conservative MP made the controversial remark in Parliament during a debate about alcohol taxation.
Totnes Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston criticised the retail giant for selling drink cheaply.
“With a four-pack of bitter for 68p, the price was just 17p a unit. I particularly objected to the labelling – it said ‘Asda Smart Price’.
“I put it to honourable members that there is nothing smart about charging 68p for four units of alcohol,” she said.
Batley and Spen Labour MP Mike Wood added: “It is significant that Asda is the supermarket she cited, because it is seen as the one supermarket that has so far taken a lead in trying to get to the bottom of two-for-one offers.”
Mrs Wollaston replied: “Asda has acquired a veneer of respectability by signing up to the new responsibility deal, but I would ask whether it is killing its customers with such pricing.”
Colne Valley MP Jason McCartney spoke during Wednesday’sdebate about an evening he spent working in a pub in his constituency.
“The Wills O’Nats in Meltham has a family environment,” he said.
“In a pub, we have a safe environment, we have a landlord who is licensed. That encourages responsible drinking.”
