Are we getting a bargain?
With news of The Warehouse confirming plans to enter the liquor trade Alcohol Healthwatch asks what sort of bargain can
the community expect?
Director Rebecca Williams suggests that what we can expect is an increase in the number of liquor outlets (87 Warehouse
stores), cheaper alcohol as a result of competition or bulk buying and also a new advertising player eager to win their
market share.
From a community perspective this does not bode well for creating an environment to reduce harm as outlet density,
price and advertising are all linked to alcohol-related harm.
Alcohol is a drug and as such is a special commodity. Do we really want to see it sold in the context of getting a
bargain?