Public bodies in Suffolk launch campaign to stop sale of super-strength alcohol

Ipswich Borough Council has linked up with Suffolk County Council and other public bodies in the region to launch a campaign aimed at stopping the sale of “super-strength” alcohol from off-licences in the town.

Owners of off-licences have been asked to remove voluntarily products such as lager, beer and cider with an alcohol volume of 6.5% or more that is sold cheaply.

Other organisations involved in the campaign include Suffolk Constabulary and NHS Suffolk.

National retailers that have signed up to the scheme include the Co-op and Tesco. Some 23 independent stores in the town are also said to be “super strength-free” already.

The public bodies behind the campaign argue that retailing of this kind of alcohol has “serious effects on consumers and communities”.