A complaint about the brand Slingshots has been upheld by the Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel. A member of the public made a complaint about the product, stating that it encouraged irresponsible drinking and was aimed at an under-18s audience. The complaint was upheld under the Portman Group’s Code, which states that a drink, its packaging and any promotional activity should not in any direct…

A complaint about the packaging of a Hooch variant has not been upheld by the Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel. The complainant, a member of the public, believed the name and design of Hoola Hooch (44cl cans) appealed to under 18s and said it was not clear from the packaging that the drink was alcoholic. In its assessment, the Panel noted there were four alcoholic…

Spar has felt the wrath of Alcohol Concern for referring to a new range as “everyday wine” in a press release and the Portman Group has upheld a complaint against the retailer. Alcohol Concern Wales argued that the name alluded to drinking the product on a daily basis, counter to Chief Medical Officer guidelines advocating the need for regular days off drinking. The Portman Group…

Complaints about the packaging of three different alcoholic drink brands have not been upheld by The Portman Group’s Independent Complaints Panel. A complaint was made about K Cider, with the complainant (Portsmouth City Council) stating that the packaging promoted immoderate drinking and urged the consumer to drink rapidly or ‘down’ the product in one. The Council believed that the combination of the strength of the…

Diageo has been found in breach of marketing rules for using a counter-top promotional unit that could encourage irresponsible, impulse purchases. A complaint was made over the irresponsible nature of a colourful unit used to promote Diageo products in-store to Northampton Borough Council’s licensing team. The complainant also argued the unit would also appeal to children. The Portman Group’s independent complaints panel looked into the…