Ms Evelyn Jones:

We have put several parliamentary questions forward regarding the issue of VAT and every time the Minister responds correctly stating that VAT laws are European, it is a value-added tax and if something is sold below cost along the supply chain, the person is entitled to recoup the VAT. In terms of VAT laws, that is correct. As to whether it is correct ethically, that is another matter. The only way it can be prevented is by introducing a ban on selling alcohol below what one purchased it for.