Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul M
I really annoys me that people assume that everyone who buys alcohol in a supermarket is some sort of rampaging drunk who should be taxed to hell.
Two things killed pubs - the insanely high prices they charge, and the smoking ban. People just find its too expensive and too much hassle these days.
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Part of the reason the prices are considered insanely high is the loss leading prices the supermarkets charge.
I would hope no-one assumes people who buy alcohol in supermarket are by default rampaging drunks however there is no justification at all for the supermarkets offering alcohol, usually of a moderate-high ABV, in large quantities at loss making prices.
There's a lot of difference between getting a 4 pack or some wine or a bottle of something stronger in and getting trays of cheap slightly flavoured diluted ethanol in to get smashed. A minimum price per unit of alcohol can be arranged to ensure minimal impact on the first while disincentivising the second.
Alcohol is a poison that kills people and costs society immensely in many ways. I'm not a fan of taxation in any shape or form but alcohol is something that should be punitively taxed to ensure a minimum price per unit. The current taxation scheme doesn't cut it.