theguardian.com
Supermarkets Accused of Exploiting Tax Loophole to Sell Cheap, High-Strength Cider
Supermarkets are accused of exploiting a tax loophole to sell cheap, high-strength cider, leading to health and social problems, while the cost of other alcoholic drinks has surged. Alcohol Change UK calls for the government to close the loophole, which allows multinational companies to benefit from reliefs meant for small cider makers.
- What are the broader societal impacts of readily available, inexpensive, high-strength cider, particularly concerning public health and safety?
- The discrepancy in pricing is attributed to a subsidy intended for apple production, which supermarkets leverage to sell high-strength ciders at low prices. This impacts working-class communities disproportionately, leading to increased strain on public services like the NHS and police. The cost of a pint of cider in a pub has increased by 15.5% since 2020, while a 2.5-liter bottle of Frosty Jack's cider increased only 5.3%.
- What potential policy changes could address the concerns raised by Alcohol Change UK regarding the affordability of high-strength cider and its impact on society?
- Alcohol Change UK urges the government to close the tax loophole and address the issue of super-strength cider's affordability. The charity argues that this contributes to early deaths and places a burden on public services. The British Retail Consortium's response focuses on supermarkets' efforts to promote responsible drinking, highlighting a decrease in excessive drinking, while Tesco denies selling super-strong cider.
- How do tax policies and supermarket pricing strategies contribute to the affordability and accessibility of high-alcohol cider, and what are the immediate consequences?
- Alcohol Change UK claims that supermarkets exploit a tax loophole to sell cheap, high-alcohol cider, contributing to health and social problems. Research shows that cider prices have remained stable or slightly decreased while other alcoholic beverage prices have risen significantly. This is despite the fact that the cheapest cider now costs the same as apple juice.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and opening paragraph immediately frame supermarkets as exploiting a tax loophole for profit, creating a negative impression. The emphasis is consistently placed on the negative consequences of cheap cider, with frequent use of loaded language like "pocket money prices," "deadly product," and "irresponsible profit racket." The sequencing of information presents the alcohol campaigners' claims prominently before offering counterarguments, influencing the reader's initial perception.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language to portray the cider industry and supermarkets negatively. Examples include: "pocket money prices" (implies affordability leads to irresponsible consumption), "deadly product" (exaggerates the inherent danger), and "irresponsible profit racket" (conveys a sense of moral wrongdoing). More neutral alternatives could include: "affordable prices," "high-alcohol cider," and "tax advantage." The repeated use of terms like "super-strength" and "high-strength" emphasizes the potency of the cider.
Bias by Omission
The analysis omits perspectives from cider producers and the British Retail Consortium beyond brief statements. The BRC's response focuses on responsible drinking initiatives, but doesn't directly address the accusations of exploiting tax loopholes. The article lacks data on the profitability of cider sales for supermarkets compared to other alcoholic beverages, which would provide context for the claim of 'irresponsible profit'. The omission of economic factors impacting cider pricing (e.g., apple production costs, global market fluctuations) limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as either supporting the cider industry's tax breaks or suffering the consequences of cheap, high-strength cider. It doesn't explore potential middle grounds, such as targeted tax reforms affecting only high-strength ciders or alternative solutions to address alcohol-related harm.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the affordability of high-strength cider, contributing to increased alcohol consumption and related health issues such as early deaths and strain on the NHS. This directly impacts SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by negatively affecting people's health and placing a burden on healthcare systems. The tax loophole allowing cheaper cider production exacerbates this issue.