Booze alcohol bottles

Some alcohol brands may have to look at their packaging again after an audit found 8% did not meet responsible drinking guidelines

Nearly 8% of alcoholic drinks brands could be in breach of responsible packaging guidelines, a review of random products has suggested.

An independent audit of more than 500 drinks, conducted on behalf of the Portman Group, which oversees drinks industry marketing, found the vast majority conformed to responsibility standards.

However, 39 products, or 7.8% of the sample, were identified by consultants Campden BRI as having issues that could potentially put them in breach of the Portman Group Code.

“This independent audit has confirmed what we know – that the overwhelming majority of alcohol producers package their products responsibly and are compliant with the Code”

Kay Perry, Portman Group

The Portman Group said today it was contacting the companies involved to discuss the findings and they would have three months to make any changes to their product packaging.

If the issues cannot be resolved, they will be referred to the Independent Complaints Panel to investigate a potential breach, it said.

The audit of a random sample of alcoholic drinks covered supermarkets, convenience stores and off-licences.

“This independent audit has confirmed what we know – that the overwhelming majority of alcohol producers package their products responsibly and are compliant with the Code,” said Kay Perry, head of regulatory affairs at the Portman Group.

“It has highlighted some issues with a few products and our compliance team will contact the companies involved and we will give confidential advice to these drinks’ producers who may alter their packaging or opt for an Independent Complaints Panel decision,” she added.