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 ragingas 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.
He has a point. While prices may deter some from binge drinking, people who want to get drunk will find a way. Just look at what happened in Rotorua at Easter. Some locals were so hard up for alcohol that convoys of cars followed one another to at least four homes supplying dangerous black-market booze. The home-brew trade was roaring after people failed to stock up on alcohol before the liquor outlets shut up shop during the holiday period.
And let's not forget the old saying - why should we all be punished just because of the actions of a few? I look forward to next time my favourite bottle of tipple goes on special and hope it won't be the last time.
