Complaint over cannabis-flavoured drinks prompts ban
4 December, 2007
Portman Group steps in after complaint from licensee
Three cannabis-flavoured drinks are being removed from sale after complaints from a licensee.
Drinks industry watchdog the Portman Group has ruled that the drinks breach one of its codes of practice.
A Bristol publican complained about the Beveland SA products: ‘Perigan’s Cannabis-Flavoured Gin’, ‘Iganoff Cannabis-Flavoured Vodka’ and ‘Rodnik’s Cannabis-Flavoured Absinthe’, each of which featured a picture of what looked like a cannabis leaf on the label.
The watchdog's Independent Complaints Panel decided all three products breach the code of practice on the naming, packaging and promotion of alcoholic drinks, because of the illicit drug association.
David Poley, chief executive of the Portman Group, said such a blatant breach of the alcohol marketing rules is unusual.
“Too many young adults these days regard alcohol and illicit drugs as interchangeable," he said.
"The industry must not contribute to this attitude, but instead distance itself totally from illegal drugs.
“This rare example of inappropriate marketing should not be allowed to blight the responsible actions of the overwhelming majority of drinks producers.”