Independents are being urged to devote more space to alcohol. Brewers, cider markers and wholesalers say there is evidence local shops are not capitalising on the opportunities offered by off licence sales. The Federation of Wholesale Distributors is encouraging retailers to do more as part of its Take Home Blueprint campaign. It is collating data to prove the case for bigger off licence departments. Alan Toft, director general of the Federation of Wholesale Distributors, said: "The Blueprint guarantees that independents will increase their sales. But even greater profitability is available if independents allocate more space to alcohol." Funding for the Blueprint, under which retailers can get free re-merchandising, is agreed for 2001. {{NEWS }}

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