ALDI has defended its record as an experienced alcohol retailer by reminding the AHA that it currently sells liquor in 87 Victorian and seven Canberra stores.
A spokesperson for the supermarket told TheShout there had not been any issues with the sale of alcohol in these stores.
In a written response to the AHA allegations, the company said:
“ALDI sells only approximately 70 liquor lines, a fraction of the range of conventional liquor outlets.
ALDI is not focused on bulk supply and with a proposed licensed area of less than 40 square metres is smaller than many other packaged liquor outlets operated by the AHA’s members.
It is important to acknowledge that many of AHA’s members operate packaged liquor outlets larger than that proposed by ALDI.
The ALDI approach is towards 'Smarter Shopping' which is focused on achieving better product outcomes and not cheap products.
This approach is reflected in industry awards received for our products in Victoria and the ACT and a number of our beer and wine products have been awarded 5 star ratings by Winestate magazine and others rated exceptionally well in the Big Red Wine Book.
The ALDI approach to liquor marketing is conservative and restrained and it is an incorrect assumption to assume that we will be focused solely on price.
Rather, the major supermarket competitors have a far more aggressive and price driven approach.
For example Dan Murphy’s – ‘Nobody beats Dan Murphy’ and 1st Choice Liquor’s – ‘We beat everyone’s liquor prices’.
ALDI takes its responsibility to the communities in which it operates very seriously.
ALDI is committed to promoting responsible consumption of alcohol and will put a number of measures in place to ensure that alcohol is sold responsibly.
Our stores are not open as late or as long as regular bottle shops and products are not sold refrigerated, so the majority are not suitable for immediate consumption.
All ALDI store employees will undertake Responsible Service of Alcohol courses.
Ongoing training forms part of our management strategy.
Alcohol will not be sold to underage drinkers under any circumstances – the liquor sales area will be separated from the general supermarket area and will be well supervised.
This is the same method utilised by various other supermarket retailers in New South Wales.
In early 2010 we became the first Australian retailer to partner with DrinkWise Australia.
This long-term funding partnership will enable DrinkWise to continue to develop and implement national education campaigns, with supporting practical resources that inform Australians about responsible alcohol consumption.
In addition, we will join the Local Liquor Accords in the areas where our NSW stores are located.
Liquor Accords are voluntary industry-based partnerships working in local communities to introduce practical solutions to alcohol related problems.”
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