Two US based alcoholic drinks breach Portman Code

Published: 19 January, 2012

Two US based alcoholic drinks, Suck & Blow alcoholic jelly tubes, and Crunk Juce have breached alcohol responsibility rules, as laid out by The Portman Group.

Both producers, SAB Enterprises and Gila Brew Co, have agreed to consult the Portman Group's Advisory Service for guidance on the appropriate changes to the product and packaging to conform to the strict controls operated in the UK market.

Suck & Blow alcoholic jelly tubes produced by SAB Enterprises, were ruled to have breached three alcohol responsibility rules for promoting rapid drinking, appealing to children and suggesting sexual success.

The independent complaints panel noted that while the product was low in strength the product design led people to down the product in one encouraging rapid drinking which is banned under the Portman Code.

The panel also ruled that the product would appeal particularly to under 18s due to the combination of the childish font, bright red and blue colours, and the novel design of the packaging, with the product name, 'Suck & Blow' had clear connotations of sexual activity which linked the product with sexual success.

Crunk Juce, produced by Gila Brew Co. was ruled by the independent complaints panel to have product packaging that encouraged irresponsible or immoderate consumption - one can contained 8.4 units - more than double the chief medical officers' sensible drinking guidelines for men.

A retailer alert bulletin has been issued which instructs licensees and retailers not to place orders for Crunk Juce or Suck and Blow in their current form until after March 31, 2012.

The companies are in consultation with the Portman Group's Advisory Service, and have agreed revised packaging for their products.

Rulings made by the panel are published in full on the Portman Group's website http://www.portmangroup.co.uk/?pid=25&level=2&bid=254

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