Bargain Booze has recorded sales of £395m in the 12 months to April 2012, up from £381m in the previous financial year.

Keith Webb, acting managing director for Bargain Booze, attributed the sales increase to strong price promotions and the continued growth of the group’s convenience retail format.  

“The steady growth of our revenues over the past few years highlights the strength and resilience of our business model, which is underpinned by competitive buying and first class support for our franchisees across merchandising, marketing and business development,” he said. “We have made good progress during the current year and are investing in all areas of the business to further improve the efficiency of our operations and the backing we provide to our franchisees.” 

Webb added that Bargain Booze would be increasing its lobbying of the government to crack down on duty fraud. “We’re also lobbying for a fairer deal for independent licensed retailers by urging the government to take a tougher stance on duty fraud, which is hitting law-abiding and hard-working shop owners in the pocket,” he said.

“We are calling for a level playing field by encouraging a clamp down on fraudsters who trade on the black market and sell alcohol untaxed and unregulated at criminal prices. Our plan is to step up the intensity of our activity in this area over the coming months in the run up to Christmas trading period.”