Drinks retailers have hit back against a mounting campaign to put an end to cheap supermarket booze.

An Early Day Motion (EDM) signed by 84 MPs and submitted by John Grogan, chairman of the All-Party Beer Group, states : "The substantial price differential between alcohol sold in pubs and that sold in the off-trade is exacerbating the problem of binge drinking."

But, according to Shane Brennan, public affairs and communications manager at the Association of Convenience Stores, the prices are not comparable.

"We believe it is artificial to make direct comparison between promotions in off-licences and those in pubs and nightclubs," he said. "Alcohol bought from an off-licence is overwhelmingly consumed at home and there is no time limit placed on consumption."

The ACS has taken its concerns over low-priced alcohol in supermarkets to the Competition Commission, although it regards this as a separate issue from the social responsibility debate.

Supermarkets have been dismissive of the campaign .

"They are knocking on the wrong door," said Ed Watson, spokesman for Asda. "We take the role of a responsible drinks retailer very seriously and constantly monitor how we are selling alcohol. Research shows the average age of binge drinkers is 18 to 25 and 95% of our customers are above that age. Binge drinkers also mostly buy alcohol on impulse , which tends to mean high-street retailers ."

A Tesco spokesman said: "Our research shows most of the alcohol purchased by our customers is bought as part of a weekly family shop and consumed at home."

Tesco also pointed to the work that retailers have done in partnership with the government and the drinks industry to tackle the problem through initiatives such as Challenge 21.

Morrisons remains committed to discounting on beers, wines and spirits. "We have promotional offers on popular products across the whole weekly shop," said a spokeswoman.

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