The advertising watchdog has dismissed a complaint from Alcohol Concern arguing that a Heineken TV ad encouraged excessive drinking and linked alcohol to social and sexual success. The ad shows a man trying to track down a woman who loses her business card holder, heading to all the places she has cards for. His quest takes him to a salon, a tailor, a racetrack and…

Costcutter owner Bibby Line Group could be ready to jettison its loss-making Rhythm & Booze off- licence chain to focus on its core convenience business. The company bought R&B in a pre-pack administration just two years ago but the formation of last year’s Buyco joint venture with Mace retailer and wholesaler Palmer & Harvey has left the off-licence group down the pecking order. Trade rumours…

Red Army vodka, which is sold in a glass bottle shaped like a gun, has breached alcohol responsibility rules for its association with violence and aggression. A complaint was submitted by the Responsible Retailing Code of Northern Ireland, which claimed the product was closely linked with violent, aggressive, dangerous and anti-social behaviour. Producer Bartex protested its innocence and said it was never its intention to…

Diageo has been warned that its future advertising must not link alcohol with daringness or toughness after the watchdog banned a Captain Morgan ad featuring a daredevil buccaneer.  The ad features crowds cheering while the pirate races a carriage through a square, discovers treasure in a cave, strips off and swims in the sea. A viewer complained that it linked alcohol with daring, toughness and…