German global supermarket giant Aldi wants to sell alcohol in its South Australian stores

A NEW push for alcohol to be sold in supermarkets has been made by new industry entrant Aldi — and is supported by its competitors.

Supermarket giant wants to sell grog

A NEW push for alcohol to be sold in supermarkets has been made by new industry entrant Aldi — and is supported by its competitors.

Aldi, Costco, Foodland and IGA have made submissions to a sweeping review of liquor licensing by the State Government.

The retailers say allowing the sale of alcohol in supermarkets would bring the state into line with NSW, Victoria, WA, NT and the ACT.

This latest call comes after the Government controversially proposed the sale of wine in supermarkets two years ago before dropping the plan under opposition from the Australian Hotels Association.

But, as part of its review of existing legislation, the Government has asked the question: “Should alcohol be able to be sold in supermarkets?’’ .

In its submission, Aldi argued that the ban on supermarket alcohol sales was “unnecessarily limiting consumer choice and convenience’’.

The global German discount supermarket chain also said allowing “supermarkets to sell alcohol will increase the retail opportunities’’ for small South Australian wineries.

“Restricted sale of alcohol in supermarkets can have a positive social effect by ensuring alcohol is viewed as a complement to food’’ Aldi said.

COSTCO said it was “strange’’ it could sell alcohol at its interstate stores but not in SA.

“We have a unique retail format through which we bring to market quality merchandise at low prices,’’ it said in its submission, one of 85 which were posted by key stakeholders on the Attorney General Department’s website on Friday.

The SA Independent Retailers Association — representing Foodland and IGA — said the Government should “enable packaged liquor to be sold and supplied in supermarkets’’.

“Allowing liquor to be sold in independent supermarkets would increase competition and provide access to markets for local suppliers, with benefits to local employment, suppliers and consumers,’’ the association argued.

But the Australian Medical Association said research showed the state already had the highest number of licensed premises per head of population in the country.

“As consumption is clearly linked to availability of alcohol outlets, we have reservations and concern about the possible introduction of additional venues through which alcohol can be purchased, including supermarkets,” it said in its submission.

Woolworths — which owns liquor outlets Dan Murphy and BWS — did not make a submission while Coles — owner or First Choice and Liquorland — said it had “no immediate plans’’ to sell alcohol in its supermarkets.

The independent review — conducted by former Justice Tim Anderson — is expected to be completed by mid-year