ShotPak banned by Portman Group

The makers call it a "party in a pouch but ShotPak, a line of alcoholic beverages that come in shot-sized, laminated-foil plastic pouches that are reminiscent of the drinks children pack in school lunches, has been banned because it appeals to children and encourages excessive drinking, according to the Portman Group.

The Independent Complaints Panel of the drinks watchdog moved to ban ShotPak sachets, imported from the US, following a complaint from MP Sally Keeble.

The Labour MP recently unveiled her own alcohol sales bill proposing minimum pricing.

The pre-mixed vodka drinks are produced in four flavours — Apple Sour, Lemon Drop, Purple Hooter and Kamikaze.

There are also full-strength vodka, rum, tequila and whisky versions which are primarily marketed as STR8UP but which feature ShotPak branding.

The Panel decided that the drinks could be mistaken for soft drinks and that the packaging encouraged consumers to drink them in one go.

The Panel also decided that the names Purple Hooter and Lemon Drop would appeal to under-18s and that Kamikaze could incite excessive drinking.

“These drinks may be acceptable in the States but their marketing falls well short of the standards that UK producers have set themselves," said Portman chief executive David Poley.

"Some of their names will be particularly popular in the playground. Kamikaze is a blatant breach of our Code for its association with bravado and danger.

"These drinks do not spell out their alcoholic content and the images of fruit add to the confusion over what is in them. They cannot be easily re-sealed and their soft packaging makes it hard to stand them up.

"That’s why the Panel decided that this packaging is encouraging consumers to drink rapidly. Sally Keeble’s complaint will prevent these imported drinks from getting a foothold in the market.”

John Hicks, of the Nightclub Marketing resource website (http://www.nightclubmarketing.co.uk/) said: “I haven’t seen this product in UK venues but was, however, aware of its launch in the US and was quite impressed by the claims that its sealed packaging meant that it could be tampered with or spiked. It also boasts a lower alcoholic content than usual so, again, this was of interest.”

“But, whatever their merits, the product is now banned so operators should clear their shelves of this product.” added John.

Further information can be obtained from The Portman Group website: http://www.portman-group.org.uk/

Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America publishes "Smart National Alcohol Practices" policy

WSWA CALLS FOR "SMART NATIONAL ALCOHOL PRACTICES"

By John Hicks

The Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America has announced the release of its "Smart National Alcohol Practices" policy statement. I think that it has some interesting lessons for us here in the UK.

“WSWA's policy statement is designed to promote smart national alcohol practices, help shape legislation in the states and guide legislators and regulators to enact effective and commonsense laws related to responsible access and consumption of alcohol,” WSWA President and CEO Craig Wolf said. “And WSWA members are committed to advocating and lobbying for these important policies nationwide.”

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of alcohol-related traffic deaths appears to have inched up for the first time in 15 years.

"We must continue to educate people about the dangers of driving while intoxicated and do everything we can to prevent underage access to alcohol,” Wolf said. “The alcohol industry has a unique and special responsibility to encourage and support government and community programs that inform everyone about the dangers of unregulated access to and over-consumption of alcohol.”

Beyond continued education, we must be sure there is also effective treatment for offenders—and when warranted—those who fail to follow the law must be held accountable and punished for their actions, Wolf said.

WSWA urges others in the industry to join with them to help put these commonsense policies into practice and on the books in every state.

WSWA Policy Statement to Promote "Smart National Alcohol Practices" says:

• Media Supporting Enforcement: Support public education campaigns educating the public on the dangers of DUI, underage access and the penalties associated with them.


• Administrative License Revocation (ALR): Support laws that provide for the prompt administrative suspension or revocation of a DUI offender’s drivers license for either failing or refusing a BAC test.


• Graduated Penalties for Repeat Offenders: Support increased penalties for offenders who violate DUI laws more than once.


• Ignition Interlock: Support laws requiring the installation of a device that integrates a breath-alcohol test into a vehicle and requires a zero BAC for engine start, for repeat offenders (2+ offences).


• High BAC Penalties: Support laws that provide for increased sanctions for DUI offenders with BAC levels above .15.


• Increased Penalties for Driving While Suspended (DWS): Support increased penalties for offenders who are caught driving on a license suspended as the result of a prior DUI conviction.


• Increased Penalties for People Who Cause Injuries: Support laws that increase penalties on those who commit bodily injury or death while under the influence.


• Mandatory Alcohol Screening: Support mandatory assessment of DUI offenders prior to conviction or sentencing to determine the potential for alcohol dependency or abuse and to make the appropriate treatment referrals.


• Comprehensive Drinking Age Laws: Support drinking age laws that prohibit the purchase, attempt to purchase or possession of alcohol, or the use of fraudulent identification by an individual under the age of 21; as well as the sale of alcohol or provision of alcohol to an individual under 21. Including increased penalties for parents who unlawfully provide alcohol to minors, and carriers who deliver alcohol to minors.


• Designated Driver and Safe Ride Programs: Support programs that promote the use of sober designated drivers and sober safe rides, and make sober safe rides available as an alternative to prevent impaired driving.


• Fake IDs: Support increased penalties for those who use or manufacture fake IDs.


• Law Enforcement Funding: Support state programs that track underage access.


• Alcohol Education: Support mandatory alcohol orientation for all college freshmen and mandatory alcohol education for college offenders.


• AWOL Machines: Support bans on AWOL machines (see picture above)


• Drunk Driving Hotlines: Support hotlines that motorists can use to report drivers operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.
  

There is talk of raising the drinking age to 21 here in the UK. Personally, I would support this move but I cannot see it happening.

This AWOL machine concept is rather disturbing. As you can see from the photo, the customer takes in the alcohol directly to the lungs. It is said to avoid hangovers but means that you cannot be breathalysed by the police at the roadside. I am note sure I like this concept!

WSWA is a national trade association representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry and supports government policies that ensure sales and deliveries of alcohol are conducted only by those licensed by the state and in compliance with state and federal law.