In response to “New Leadership, A Fresh Start for Scotland” speech by First Minister Humza Yousaf, Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group – the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator said:

“We welcome the announcement by First Minister Humza Yousaf and support his comments that ‘the business community itself recognises that unrestricted marketing is incompatible with the well-being of our people’. This is why the Portman Group exists – to ensure that alcohol is marketed responsibly and particularly not to under-18s, and have done so effectively for over 25 years.

“We also support other not-for-profit groups which help ensure underage alcohol consumption continues to fall, as seen in the past decade and more*. These include measures that restrict sales of alcohol so they cannot be made to those under 18 (Challenge 25); youth education schemes (Alcohol Education Trust), and community groups which work with the police and social workers to divert children from drinking (Community Alcohol Partnerships).

“We welcome the call to engage, and hope to work with the Scottish Government to continue to address harmful and underage drinking and actively support and extend the good work of other not-for-profit groups.”

* Scottish Health Survey, November 2022

London, 1 March 2023: Today, the Independent Complaints Panel (Panel) which adjudicates on complaints under the Portman Group Codes of Practice – welcomes two new members – Hina Parmar and Phil Pick – further strengthening and enhancing the Panel’s expertise and diversity.

Members of the ten-person Panel can serve two terms of not more than six years in total, and recruitment is staggered to hire representatives with different experiences. This means that the Panel always seeks to have members with experience of public health, children’s services, licensing, and the law. The two new hires bring valuable marketing and industry experience to the table. With 82 applications, 12 shortlisted to make the final two, the robust recruitment process demonstrated the depth of understanding of the Code across the sector and the huge talented pool of professionals from which to draw.

All Panel members must declare any conflict of interest and recuse themselves in the event of a potential conflict with the agreement of the Chair.

Hina Parmar is a highly experienced Legal Counsel for consumer brands with extensive experience across the fields of law on intellectual property, marketing, food law and compliance. She currently serves as legal counsel to Mondelez International, a worldwide confectionery, food, beverage, and snack food company, responsible for messaging around packaging, content and placement. She has provided legal advice and support for Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I, Selfridges Retail, and the Institute of Promotional Marketing.

Phil Pick has a wealth of UK and international consumer marketing experience, having worked for a range of alcohol and food businesses including Molson Coors, AB InBev, Scottish & Newcastle United Biscuits and Weetabix. His work with Stella Artois saw him become an award winner of the Media360: Advertiser of the Decade in 2013. Now taking a career break, Phil is currently a stay-at-home dad.

This follows the departure of Graeme McKenzie and Claire Fowler who have served on the Panel since 2017. The Chair thanks them for their service and wishes them well in their next endeavours.

Commenting on the new additions to the Panel, the Chair, Nicola Williams, said: “The appointment of two new Panel members is greatly welcomed, and will further enhance the Panel’s breadth and diversity of experience. I was delighted by the calibre of candidates across the recruitment making the choice incredibly difficult. Candidates showed a considerable depth of understanding of the Code demonstrating its welcome reach and use by the industry. I very much look forward to working with Hina and Phil. I would also like to thank Graeme and Claire for their dedicated service to the Panel.”

For more information about the Independent Complaints Panel, please visit the Portman Group’s website here.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Joseph Meaden

Mobile: 07709 525 971

Notes to editors

1. A spokesperson is available for interviews upon request.
2. The Portman Group was formed in 1989. It is the alcohol industry regulator and social responsibility body. It has over 160 Code signatories from producers, retailers and membership bodies.
3. The Portman Group is funded by 17 member companies: Asahi UK Ltd; Aston Manor Cider; Bacardi; Brown-Forman; Budweiser Brewing Group UK&I; Campari; C&C; Diageo GB; Edrington UK; Heineken UK; Mark Anthony Brands International; Mast-Jäegermeister UK; Molson Coors Beverage Company; Pernod Ricard UK; SHS Drinks; Thatchers’; and Treasury Wine Estates.
4. The Code of Practice for the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks was first published in 1996. In 2021, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Code. The Code seeks to ensure that alcohol is promoted in a socially responsible way, only to those aged 18 and over, and in a way that does not appeal particularly to those who are vulnerable. The Code has helped create an industry that works effectively within the context of a self-regulatory model, while encouraging design, innovation and creativity. This has been done in an effective, responsive and inexpensive way.

• Effectively – over 170 products have been amended or removed from the market. Many hundreds more have been helped to adhere to the Code before appearing on shelves through the support of the Advisory Service;
• Responsively – there have been five updates to the Code over 25 years responding to changes in public attitudes and expanding its reach; all without recourse to Government or Parliamentary time;
• Inexpensively – the leading members of the industry are currently funding the model for all to be protected at no cost to the public purse.

Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group – the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator said:

SHAAP’s concerns are unfounded and are an unhelpful attack on products which are used by, and targeted at, existing alcohol drinkers to help them moderate their consumption and reduce harms including drink driving.

“Our annual low and no YouGov survey shows that Scotland has the highest proportion of low and no drinkers in the UK, and over one fifth (22%) report that their weekly alcohol consumption has fallen as a result of low and no alternatives. The survey also shows that the vast majority (85%) of consumers first try a low and no alcohol alternative through a product that shares its branding with a regular strength drink. This is due to familiarity of taste and opportunity to see through marketing campaigns.

“The growth of the category is a great example of industry responding to changing consumer demands by providing a wide range of lower strength products which are part of familiar long-established brands. It is counter intuitive to reduce the opportunities for consumers to see products that help them moderate their consumption of alcohol.”

Portman Group / YouGov study 2022:

• Almost a third (32%) of Scottish drinkers consume low and on alcohol alternatives semi-regularly

In response to Cornwall Live’s report surrounding the Independent Complaint’s Panel’s provisional decision regarding Bearded Brewery’s Unshaven Maiden, Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group – the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator – said:

“A complaint was received related to Bearded Brewery’s Unshaven Maiden product. The Independent Complaints Panel (Panel) reviewed this first on 10 November 2022 and issued a provisional decision to the producer upholding the complaint on the grounds the product packaging created an indirect association with sexual activity and was likely to cause widespread offence. It is important to emphasise this is a provisional decision, not a final decision.

“On 20 February 2023, the producer was given an additional opportunity to present their response to the Panel to make the final decision. We requested that the process remains confidential until the final decision is published. We do this as it can differ to the provisional decision, so it is disappointing that the producer has assumed the result and this has been taken publicly.

“Whatever the outcome, we support willing producers where complaints are upheld through our Advisory Service. We can help them to amend designs to comply with the Code and only as a last resort issue a Retailer Alert Bulletin asking for the product not to be restocked.

“Part of the Portman Group’s role is to provide a free proactive Advisory Service and to work with producers to help them understand and comply with the Code of Practice on packaging before launch. We understand that small craft breweries sometimes seek to push the boundaries and attract the attention of customers in a competitive market; our guidelines and support are in place to ensure in doing so they do not cause offence or harm to the public.”

In response to reports surrounding Canada’s new drinking guidelines, Matt Lambert, CEO of the Portman Group – the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator said:

“Canada’s new drinking guidance is at odds with the vast majority of guidelines around the world that recognise that alcohol can be consumed in moderation and consumers can make their own choices based on practical official advice.

“The substantial and increasing majority of U.K. adults drink responsibly within the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance of 14 units a week, which remains a robust and effective guidance for those who choose to drink.”

Purpose of Job

To protect and enhance self-regulation in the UK by seeking to advance standards of best practice in issues of alcohol responsibility, particularly in respect of alcohol marketing, by encouraging engagement and support for the Portman Group and the operation of the Codes and responsibility initiatives by all those involved in the industry.

To provide support to the regulatory affairs team across a range of operational services including the Advisory Service and Training function, including delivering CPD seminars virtually and in person.

Reporting to

Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager (SRAM)

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver training and briefing sessions on the Codes and on alcohol social responsibility. This includes delivering sessions virtually and in person within the UK.
• Responsible for responding accurately and promptly to written requests for advice on product marketing from producers and their agencies alongside other members of the Regulatory Affairs Team.
• To raise standards of responsibility in the industry by undertaking proactive trademark searches of newly registered products and providing unsolicited advice where necessary.
• With the support of the SRAM, provide internal and external reporting analysis of advice requests on a monthly basis.
• Monitor product innovations via social media and press publications to identify emerging trends and provide unsolicited advice where necessary.
• Support the SRAM in drafting blogs, newsletters, industry advice pieces and an annual Regulatory Affairs Report.
• Support the SRAM in wider regulatory communications, including distribution of content.
• To support the Regulatory Affairs team more widely by:
  • Assisting with the organisation and smooth running of events;
  • Assisting with the recruitment of new Code Signatories;
  • Providing project support as required.
• To be flexibly deployed on any other work as required by the Director of Regulatory Affairs or Chief Executive, taking into account the needs of a small organisation.

Skills, knowledge and experience:

Essential:

1. Proven experience of presenting, delivering presentations or public speaking to varying levels of stakeholders;
2. A personable and engaging presenting style;
3. Ability to make sound and consistent judgements;
4. Excellent written and oral communications skills to convey these judgements, with the ability to write clearly, accurately, concisely and appropriately to all correspondents;
5. A persuasive, authoritative manner with the ability to remain calm yet resolute in the face of pressure;
6. Excellent administrative skills and high standards of personal organisation;
7. Competence in use of Microsoft Office and ideally a CRM system;
8. Ability to work on own initiative and be self-motivated as well as enthusiasm for being a team player in a very small organisation with a big mission.

Desirable:

9. Experience of marketing activity under a regulatory code, within a regulatory body or in-house;
10. Experience of creating training materials;
11. Ability to identify emerging marketing issues and challenges, and to propose appropriate actions to address these;
12. Knowledge of the drinks industry and of policies and practices concerned with the social aspects of alcohol.

General information

• Salary £37-40k (pro rata) depending on experience
• Bonus scheme – potential to earn up to additional 8-10% of base salary depending on performance and length of service.
• Optional contributory pension scheme (up to 5% of salary)
• Part time 25 hours per week (negotiable)
• Flexible working split between Borough/London Bridge office and working from home (split to be discussed)
• 28 days annual leave per annum (pro rata) plus Christmas office closure
• Season ticket loan.

If you would like to apply, please submit a cover letter and CV to people@portmangroup.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 5pm 17 February.

If we receive a high amount of applications, we may interview before the closing date.

Read about our culture + benefits

A complaint against Corinthian Brand’s Dragon Soop Venom was upheld by the alcohol industry’s Independent Complaints Panel (Panel). A copy of the full decision is available here.

The complaint was made by the Northern Ireland Alcohol and Drugs Alliance (NIADA) and was upheld under Code rule 3.2(b) as the packaging suggested an association with bravado.

The Panel considered the name Venom would be recognised by the majority of UK consumers to mean ‘poison’ in its day-to-day usage and noted this in the context of a beverage which had a relatively high alcohol and caffeine content. The Panel discussed the company’s explanation that ‘venom’ was a well-understood flavour by young adults but considered that, for the majority of UK consumers, the word ‘venom’, without any qualifying descriptors, would not be widely recognised as a cocktail name in isolation. Additionally, the packaging included the word ‘venom’ several times, and an illustration of a snake which was positioned aggressively baring its fangs. When considering all these elements in combination, the Panel concluded that the name venom, in this particular context, and its presentation, in combination with the aggressive snake imagery, gave the overall impression that the product was marketed mainly on the danger association with venom, and therefore required bravado to drink it. For these reasons, the Panel concluded that the packaging created an association with bravado.

Commenting on the decision, the Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel, Nicola Williams, said:

“Whilst creativity and brands expressing their identities through their products is to be encouraged, care must be taken to avoid associating alcohol with bravado, or suggesting a consumer must be daring to drink it.. In this case, the name and imagery created an overall impression that was over the line of acceptability. For these reasons, it was a breach of the Code.”

The complaint was not upheld against five other Code rules. In relation to these, the Panel noted:

• There were enough positive alcohol cues on the Dragon Soop Venom packaging which clearly communicated its alcoholic nature with absolute clarity (3.1 – alcoholic nature of the drink);
• That while the product’s alcoholic strength was clearly communicated there was no undue emphasis of the strength or intoxicating nature (3.2(a) – alcoholic strength);
• The product contained 3.75 units, below the recommended four units in a single-serve non-releasable container and contained a responsible drinking message and a link to the Drinkaware website (3.2(f) – immoderate consumption);
• The muted colour scheme, the font and the imagery were not considered to have a particular appeal to under 18s (3.2(h) – particular appeal to under-18s);
• The Panel considered that the product factually and neutrally explained the ingredients of the product and did not overemphasise the caffeine content or the effect that drinking caffeine and alcohol could have on consumers. Furthermore, the ‘unique drinking experience’ stated on the product was in relation to how the product tasted and did not suggest the drink had therapeutic qualities (3.2(j) – therapeutic qualities).

Northern Ireland Alcohol and Drugs Alliance was invited to comment and a spokesperson said

“NIADA are delighted that one of the complaints lodged against the drink Dragon Soop has been upheld. We feel it is important as an alliance who deliver Alcohol and Drug services, to highlight the worrying trends and feedback from our young service users regarding caffeinated alcoholic drinks. We are satisfied with the response to this concern and look forward to any amendments made to the marketing of the brand as a result.

“NIADA continue to have concerns over the promotion of caffeinated alcoholic drinks particularly for younger users where the risk of the caffeine masking the effects of the alcohol may lead to increased health harms and disinhibited risky behaviours.”

• Almost one third (32%) of adults who drink alcohol in Scotland also now semi-regularly drink alcohol alternatives
• New annual YouGov research commissioned by the Portman Group reveals more than one fifth (22% ) drink less alcohol after having tried low and no alcohol alternatives

New YouGov consumer research reveals that almost one third (32%) of adults who drink alcohol in Scotland now semi-regularly* drink alcohol alternatives, up from 29% the year before.  The research was commissioned by the Portman Group, the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator.

More than one fifth (22%) of Scottish drinkers say their alcohol consumption has reduced since first trying low and no drinks, demonstrating their role in encouraging moderate and responsible drinking. The top reasons cited for drinking low and no alcohol are being able to drive home safely from social events and avoiding short-term health impacts (i.e. hangovers).

With New Year’s Resolutions round the corner, those that plan to reduce alcohol consumption in 2023 said they will drink fewer alcoholic drinks at home (38%), have more alcohol-free days (28%) and stop drinking at home altogether to drink responsibly and moderately (22%).

Matt Lambert, CEO, the Portman Group – the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator said: “The variety and availability of low and no alcoholic drinks has never been stronger, reflecting a huge increase in consumer popularity.

“The vast majority of consumers already drink responsibly within the Chief Medical Officer guidelines, but it is particularly pleasing to see evidence that low and no options are playing a role in encouraging people to moderate their drinking.”

Notes to editors

1. *Use of the term ‘semi-regular drinkers’ refers to those who either ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ drink low and no alcohol products.
2. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,381 adults, 206 of whom in Scotland. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th – 29th November 2022. A similar survey was carried out in December 2021. The surveys were carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

Government must go further to encourage low and no alcohol uptake, say Portman Group

• Portman Group, the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator, is urging the government to do more to encourage the uptake of low/no alcohol alternatives, as the market is potentially showing signs of plateauing after rapid growth
• New annual YouGov research reveals one in six respondents (17%) drink less alcohol after having tried low and no alternatives
• Over a quarter (29%) of alcohol drinkers now also semi-regularly* drink alcohol alternatives

The Portman Group is urging the government to do more to encourage the uptake of low and no alcohol drinks and launch the long-awaited consultation on Low-alcohol descriptors.

The consultation would seek views on updating the terminology around the various ways in which products below 1.2%ABV are marketed – a key source of confusion for UK consumers. After a delay of nearly two years, the Portman Group is calling on the government to prioritise the review in 2023.

The Portman Group, the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator, warns not to let the positive trend lose momentum after years of growing UK sales and consumer interest in the category.

New YouGov consumer research reveals that over one quarter (29%) of alcohol drinkers now also semi-regularly* drink alcohol alternatives, compared to almost a third (32%) in 2021 and a quarter (25%) in 2020. For the fifth year in a row, the top reasons cited for drinking low and no alcohol are being able to drive home safely from social events and taking part in social events without drinking to excess. Furthermore, one in six (17%) of those who have tried low and no drinks say their alcohol consumption has reduced since first trying them, demonstrating their role in encouraging moderate and responsible drinking.

With New Year’s Resolutions round the corner, those that plan to reduce alcohol consumption in 2023 said they will drink fewer alcoholic drinks at home (37%), have more alcohol-free days (30%) and a further quarter (25%) said they plan to stop drinking at home altogether.

Matt Lambert, CEO, the Portman Group – the alcohol social responsibility body and marketing regulator said: “The variety and availability of low and no alcoholic drinks has never been stronger, reflecting a huge increase in consumer popularity.

“The vast majority of consumers already drink responsibly within the Chief Medical Officer guidelines, but it is particularly pleasing to see evidence that low and no options are playing a role in encouraging people to moderate their drinking.

“We are calling on the government to launch the low-alcohol descriptors consultation this year to give further support to the low and no alcohol sector. It has been expected for nearly two years, but given the turbulent political year this hasn’t been prioritised. This is an important review which should see alignment with global descriptors and give another push to this innovative category which is an active substitute for alcohol and supports moderate drinking.”

Notes to editors

1. *Use of the term ‘semi-regular drinkers’ refers to those who either ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ drink low and no alcohol products.
2. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,381 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th – 29th November 2022.  Similar surveys were carried out in December 2020 and 2021. The surveys were carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).

A complaint by a member of the public against BuzzBallz Choc Tease, BuzzBallz Strawberry ‘Rita, and BuzzBallz Chili Mango was not upheld by the alcohol industry’s Independent Complaints Panel (ICP). A copy of the full decision is available here.

Produced by BuzzBallz LLC, the complaint was not upheld against four Code rules. In relation to these, the Panel noted:

• The packaging displayed clear positive alcohol cues to communicate the drinks’ alcoholic nature, including the alcoholic strength by volume of 13.5% (ABV), a ‘drink responsibly’ message and the word ‘cocktail’. (3.1 – alcoholic nature of the drink);
• All three products had flat bottoms which meant they could be easily set down and there were no elements on the packaging that suggested a consumer should either drink the product rapidly or ‘down’ it in one (3.2(g) – rapid drinking);
• The overall appearance and colour schemes of the products were not considered to have a particular appeal to under 18s (3.2(h) – particular appeal to under-18s);
• There was nothing on the products which suggested the drink could change a consumer’s mood or behaviour or that consumption would generate a ‘buzz’. The Panel considered that ‘buzz’, in the specific context of the packaging, while close to the line of acceptability, did not breach the Code (3.2(j) – therapeutic qualities).

Commenting on the decision, the Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel, Nicola Williams, said: “Alcohol brands must be conscious of their overall brand identity and name, and how these elements contribute to the individual product’s overall impression. This decision demonstrates that brands can innovate in a responsible manner and be mindful of the Code rules while standing out on-shelf.”

BuzzBallz was invited to comment and said “BuzzBallz, LLC is pleased with the ruling as we are meticulous in our packaging, marketing, and sales efforts to uphold the alcohol rules, laws, and standards in the UK, USA, and across the world. Responsible consumption by consumers of the legal drinking age is an important message and one we take seriously.”

-ENDS-

For more information contact:

Joseph Meaden

Mobile: 07709 525971