Supermarkets' cheap drinks are not helping alcohol abuse community, coroner says

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Home » News » Alcohol » Supermarkets' cheap drinks are not helping alcohol abuse community, coroner says

by Change | 21 Jan 2010

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The cheap cost of alcohol in supermarkets has been blamed for the death of one Norwich man.

Individuals in need of alcohol addiction help are not being dealt any favours by supermarkets, which continue to offer drinks at discounted prices.

This is the warning of Norwich coroner William Armstrong, who led an inquest into the death of local man Roger Prosser.

Mr Prosser passed away in September after his blood alcohol level was found to be six times higher than the drink drive limit.

The 64-year-old had been a member of the alcohol abuse community since 1975, Norwich Evening News reports, and would regularly travel to London for morning drinking sessions with a friend.

Mr Armstrong said the level of alcohol discovered in Mr Prosser was "exceptionally high" and suggested that those in need of alcohol addiction advice were being put at risk by cheap offers on wine, beers and spirits.

He went to say that Mr Prosser effectively "drank himself to death".

"It's alarming that alcohol can be purchased at a price less than bottled water. A substantial number of deaths are linked to alcohol abuse," he commented.

Earlier this week, the government announced new plans to cut down on irresponsible drinking by banning certain promotions in pubs, bars and nightclubs.

Under the proposals, licensees will be fined as much as £20,000 or face six months in prison if they offer all-you-can-drink promotions.

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