Portman Group
The Portman Group was set up in 1989 by a group of UK drinks producers in order to tackle the social problems associated with alcohol misuse.
The Portman Group’s Code of Practice was first published in 1996 to regulate the naming, packaging and “below the line” promotion of alcoholic products. The Code, which is supported throughout the industry, seeks to ensure that drinks are marketed in a socially responsible way and to an adult audience only. Code rules apply to all pre-packaged alcoholic drinks and covers the drink's naming, packaging, point-of-sale advertising, brand websites, sponsorship, branded merchandise, advertorials, press releases and sampling.
Television, radio and non-broadcast advertisements are regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The Portman Group's Code is consistent with the ASA's rules.
All decisions about complaints received are made by an Independent Complaints Panel. If a product is found in breach of the Code, a Retailer Alert Bulletin is issued, asking retailers not to stock the offending product unless and until it has been amended to comply with the Code.
The Portman Group offers a free and confidential advisory service to help ensure that companies comply with the Code.
In June 2007, the Portman Group published the 4th Edition of their Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks. Click here for the revised Code.
Following the public consultation, the revised Code contains two changes: removing alcohol drinks branding from children's replica sports shirts and the introduction of a new rule designed to prevent drinks producers from urging consumers to drink rapidly or 'down' their drinks in one.
The WSTA is a signatory to the Code and encourages its members to sign up as well.
If you have any queries about the Code you should contact The Portman Group on 020 7907 3700. More information can be found here.
