Confession. When Stoneleigh sav blanc goes on special down from the usual $25 to about $12, it usually finds itself into my supermarket trolley.
But does that mean if alcohol prices are continually steeper, people won't buy booze?
The debate over whether a minimum price should be set is raging as one way of combating our teen binge-drinking culture. The Ministry of Justice is researching the effectiveness of a minimum price for beer, wine and spirits overseas, and due to report its findings in September.
Labour is pushing for change with its Alcohol Law Reform Bill, which would introduce a provision for a minimum price for alcohol. Why? Because experts say many youngsters are getting cheap booze - some drinks equating to as little as 60c a drink - and "pre-loading" before hitting town.
While Labour is obviously keen on the idea, Prime Minister John Key isn't so sure. He is not convinced a minimum price would work because it could force people to drink poorer-quality liquor, instead of drinking less.
