Portman has responded by accusing the brewer of trying to “gag” the industry-funded watchdog. Brewdog has hired London law firm Pitmans to act for it over the comments, made in a press release issued as part of a recent independent complaints panel judgement against the brewer’s Speedball ale. Brewdog claims the comments – in which Poley said Brewdog was profiteering from drugs misuse – are…

The rules mean distillers, brewers and alcohol retailers should include activities or events to promote responsible drinking in any new commercial sponsorship deal. It also means brands won’t be allowed to sponsor teams, brands, celebrities or events which have a particular appeal to under-18s. Sponsorship of individual aged under 18 – such as junior athletes – will also be outlawed. Responsible drinking messages will appear…

The independent complaints commission has upheld a complaint by Alcohol Focus Scotland that the seasonal ale Speedball promotes the illegal-drugs mix that killed Hollywood stars John Belushi and River Phoenix. Portman is now urging retailers to remove the beer from their shelves. Speedball is marketed by Brewdog as a “class A ale” containing “a vicious cocktail of active ingredients” which creates a “happy-sad” effect. Portman’s…

The EDM was tabled by Tory MP Philip Davies, who has asked fellow members to praise the trade for its “continued commitment to tackling under-age sales”. The motion adds that the House of Commons “believes that by challenging customers that cashiers suspect are under 25 years to prove their age, the retail sector will further drive a cultural change amongst young people who will expect…

On Monday thieves stole £40,000 of Champagne from a Hungarian-registered truck on the A40 at Ross-on-Wye after slashing the curtains of the HGV. Nine pallets of Nicole d’Aurigny Champagne were taken and West Mercia Police is asking the trade and the public to be on the look-out for the wine being offered cheaply. Police in Lincolnshire are appealing for information after nearly 2,000 bottles of…

Leading trade associations believe that switching from the current Challenge 21 system to Challenge 25 will make further progress in the battle against under-age sales. The new policy has been agreed by the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group, which represents the off-trade in discussions with the government. New signage has been produced to support the scheme, which will be made available free of charge to…

More than 1,100 people signed the petition asking the Chancellor of the Exchequer to resist calls by the Alcohol Health Alliance to raise taxes by as much as 30% in a bid to tackle binge-drinking. The Prime Minister’s office responded: “The government does not see alcohol duty as a prime tool for tackling the problems associated with alcohol consumption. Accordingly, in the 2008 pre-Budget report,…