Making a Complaint

You can make a complaint about any pre-packaged alcoholic drink if you consider that the product or its promotion contravenes the Code - for example if you consider that the name, packaging or promotion of that product:

  • has a particular appeal to under 18s;
  • suggests any confusion as to the product's alcoholic strength or nature or glamorises its alcoholic strength;
  • suggests any association with bravado, or with dangerous or anti-social behaviour;
  • suggests any association with sexual success;
  • encourages illegal, irresponsibly or immoderate consumption:
  • suggests that consumption of the drink can lead to social success or popularity;
  • suggests that the product can enhance mental or physical capabilities.
You can read the full Code of Practice on the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks online or order it by calling 020 7290 1460.


If you would like to make a complaint about a product or promotional activity, please write to David Poley, Secretary to The Independent Complaints Panel, The Portman Group, 4th Floor, 20 Conduit Street, London,
W1S 2XW or email him on dpoley@portmangroup.org.uk.  Unless you have a competitive interest in the matter, your complaint will be treated as confidential. 



An example of a drink found in breach of the Code