I was very disappointed to see a full page advertisement in the national press today by Tesco promoting 1 litre of spirits for £10 – a whopping 75% reduction; this is even cheaper than duty free prices from what I remember over the summer.

If highly profitable stores can slash its prices like this, why don’t they act responsibly and offer this kind of generous saving on quality foods for hard up shoppers, instead of promoting buy one get one free” or “three for two” price deals which forces consumers to stockpile and throw out unused produce?

My main concern is how this latest offer – displayed under Tesco’s well known strapline “every little helps” – makes alcohol more affordable and accessible at a time when increasing numbers of people need help to overcome alcohol addiction.

This is highlighted today by a report in the East Anglian Daily Times that more than 100,000 people in Suffolk has an alcohol problem. We are constantly reminded that this is a serious issue which is escalating in the UK, with more people than ever being admitted to hospital with drink problems.

It’s also totally ludicrous and baffling that alcohol costs less than water. No wonder supermarkets have been accused of “exhibiting the morality of a crack dealer”.

Who is Tesco helping here?