Outrage as ‘alcotots’ spirits hit UK stores

Pocket money-priced sachets of spirits dubbed “alcotots” could soon be on sale in UK stores, to the alarm of health lobbyists.

Independent grocery chains have been approached by a company called Churchill Foods – the UK selling agent for the dispensing machines, which are imported from South Africa.

Churchill Foods wants the retailers to install the machines, which contain 30ml plastic packets of spirits including gin, whisky, vodka and rum, priced from 59p each.

But a spokesman for pressure group Alcohol Concern says: “Our worry is that ‘alcotots’ will encourage under-age drinking.

“One of the obvious deterrents to under-18s buying a bottle of spirits is the high price, but these sachets are relatively cheap.”

No major UK retailer has yet agreed to stock the dispensers, although they can be found in some stores in Scotland.

Peter Churchill, who set up Churchill Foods after 30 years working for Unilever, was unavailable for comment.