Brewers act to dilute 'soft' drinks criticism
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.JOHN MCKIE
A group representing the drinks industry yesterday announced a code of practice for the naming, labelling and promotion of alcoholic "soft" drinks.
But the move was immediately dismissed as "toothless" by Labour's Consumer Affairs spokesman, Nigel Griffiths.
The Portman Group said yesterday that all the leading brewers had agreed to a code of practice, in the wake of criticism that the marketing of such drinks could lead to a rise in under-age drinking. But although the main breweries agreed that a code should be introduced, they have not yet agreed to the proposals put forward yesterday by the group's chairman, Dr John Rae.
These included a ban on characters or designs likely to attract younger people and a clear distinction between drinks associated with childhood and alcoholic drinks. This would affect the most successful brand, Bass's Hooch, which is marketed with a smiling lemon. It sells around 2 million bottles and cans a week.
A Bass spokeswoman, Lesley Allman, said: "We are keen that a code of practice is put in place but it would be premature to comment on specific proposals."
Mr Griffiths attacked the proposed code for failing to control drinks marketed by smaller brewers, who are not Portman members. Only two of the 30 "soft" drinks that Mr Griffiths has identified - Hooch and Aqua V - are manufactured by group members. "The Government has washed its hands of this problem," he said. "Advertising rules over alcohol have been flouted, the Portman Group is a toothless group and the Government is in the pockets of the brewing industry."
A Home Office spokesman confirmed that the Government was "looking at the problem as a matter of urgency".
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments