Aldi’s liquor too cheap to sell and may cause health problems
<p>German supermarket giant Aldi's plans to expand its alcohol sales has had its first setback after its application to sell wine, beer, spirits and ciders in-store was denied.</p>
<p>Western Australia's Liquor Authority has rejected Aldi’s application for its Harrisdale store, in Perth's south-east, finding that Aldi’s booze is so cheap it poses a risk to public health.</p>
<p>Aldi offers 22 varieties of wine that are under $5 a bottle, including its award winning South Point Estate rose. There are brands also priced as low as $2.79.</p>
<p>Two months ago, the Liquor Authority granted Woolworths-owned BWS the right to open at the same shopping centre, stating it offered “greater benefits to consumers in the locality” because of its bigger size, products at different price points and “purposively separated and delineated” store layout.</p>
<p>The Director of Liquor Licensing's delegate Peter Minchin said it was not in the public's interest or necessary for two stores to sell alcohol at the new Harrisdale Shopping Centre.</p>
<p>Mr Minchin also cited the Executive Director of Public Health's objection to Aldi's application, which found a link between alcohol price, consumption and harm in the community.</p>
<p>“ALDI also proposes to offer a range of very cheap liquor... and packaged liquor sales are linked to alcohol-related harm and ill-health,” the EDPH stated.</p>
<p>“Research indicates that limiting the sale of alcohol from within supermarkets is an important harm minimisation strategy.”</p>
<p>Mr Minchin agreed with EDPH's assessment, saying, “A large percentage of ALDI liquor products are at the lower end of the price scale.</p>
<p>“[For example], 22 wine varieties are listed at a price below $5.00 a bottle, with three priced at $2.79 and 48 per cent of wine products are priced at less tan $10.00 a bottle.</p>
<p>“In comparing the risks associated with each application, the ALDI application poses a greater risk from a broad public health perspective.”</p>
<p>An Aldi spokeswoman said they supermarket is responsible when it came to the sale of alcohol and looks to give their shoppers the best value for their alcohol.</p>
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