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Beer faces ban over label message | Beer faces ban over label message |
(about 1 hour later) | |
An 18.2% beer made by a controversial Scottish brewery should not be be sold by bars, clubs and shops across the UK, a watchdog has ruled. | An 18.2% beer made by a controversial Scottish brewery should not be be sold by bars, clubs and shops across the UK, a watchdog has ruled. |
The Portman Group said there had been complaints that a message on Fraserburgh-based BrewDog's Tokyo* labels encouraged excessive drinking. | |
It is issuing a retailer alert bulletin and wants the marketing altered. | It is issuing a retailer alert bulletin and wants the marketing altered. |
The message says people must, from time to time, have excess, and adds: "This beer is for those times." | The message says people must, from time to time, have excess, and adds: "This beer is for those times." |
Portman Group Chief Executive David Poley said: "We don't regulate the alcohol content of drinks but we do control how they are promoted. It's obviously unwise for any company to urge consumers to drink to excess. | |
"We won't allow any irresponsible marketing whether it's for a big brand or a niche product. That's why we're taking action to restrict future sales of this beer." | |
'Scotland's problem' | |
However, BrewDog's co-founder Martin Dickie said: "The Portman Group's decision to ban Tokyo* highlights the misdirection of their organisation. | |
"Like all of our specialist beers it was only available online at our website and in five specialist beer retailers throughout the UK. | |
"They should perhaps concentrate their efforts on targeting the brands selling 24 cans of lager for £7 - where literal excess is contributing to Scotland's problem with alcohol." | |
BrewDog was previously branded irresponsible for Tokyo* by Alcohol Focus Scotland, which complained to The Portman Group, as did BrewDog themselves in what was said to be a bid to highlight the best ways to educate people about alcohol. | |
The brewery had then followed up Tokyo* with a low alcohol beer called Nanny State. | |
BrewDog then made headlines last week after it launched an even stronger beer at 32% called Tactical Nuclear Penguin. | BrewDog then made headlines last week after it launched an even stronger beer at 32% called Tactical Nuclear Penguin. |