About the portman group
The Portman Group is the social responsibility body and regulator for alcohol labelling, packaging and promotion in the UK. Founded in 1989, it has over 130 code signatories from producers, retailers and membership bodies and it is funded by 12 industry leading member companies.
“The Portman Group aims to consistently challenge the industry to deliver high standards of best practice and fulfil the essential self-regulatory role of ensuring the responsible marketing and promotion of alcoholic products to UK consumers under our Codes of Practice. The Code which celebrates its 25 year anniversary this year outlines the guidelines all alcohol producers must follow when naming, branding and selling alcoholic drinks. The Portman Group provides free advice to producers on labelling design in relation to the Code and free training on how the rules are applied.
25 Years of the Code
This year we celebrate 25th anniversary of the Code of Practice for the Naming, Packaging and Promotion of Alcoholic Drinks. 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 a cost-effective, responsive and effective way. Find out more here.
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4 June 2021
Blogs
Low2NoBev Conference – Portman Group to speak at inaugural event
26 May 2021
COVID-19
All Hands to the Pump – supporting pubs and employees to reopen safely
12 May 2021
COVID-19
Only a Pavement Away – The Hospitality Industry Supports Homeless People into Employment
11 May 2021
COVID-19
Portman Group-YouGov research on pandemic drinking and the return to pubs
6 May 2021
Press Releases
Portman Group statement on ONS alcohol-specific deaths
28 April 2021
COVID-19
Moderate majority continues throughout lockdowns and beyond
28 April 2021
Blogs
Taking Responsibility – ‘Responsible Regulation of Alcohol Seminar’
28 April 2021
COVID-19
Running the Alcohol Recovery Day Programme during COVID-19
21 April 2021
Press Releases
Leading the way on CBD – Portman Group issues first category guidance on CBD
21 April 2021
Blogs
Portman Group’s Advisory Service issues guidance on CBD
16 April 2021
Blogs
Portman Group CAP Consultation Response
14 April 2021
COVID-19
Local Pub Supports Local Community
13 April 2021
Blogs
PHE methodology consultation – Portman Group response
9 April 2021
Press Releases
Brits return to the pub – but it’s for pals not pints
1 April 2021
Blogs
Low and No Virtual Conference 2021
30 March 2021
Blogs
The Launch of the Responsible Regulation of Alcohol Seminar Series
17 March 2021
COVID-19
Cooper King Distillery and Hand Sanitiser Production
3 March 2021
COVID-19
The Drinks Trust – Supporting the industry’s work
25 February 2021
Blogs
Portman Group issues first category guidance on hard seltzers
17 February 2021
Press Releases
The Drink Sector Responds to COVID-19
17 February 2021
COVID-19
Supporting Communities Blog Series – Introduction
8 February 2021
Blogs
Response to Northern Ireland substance use strategy
26 January 2021
Blogs
Regulating Through Change
26 January 2021
Press Releases
Regulating Through Change 2018 – 2020
25 January 2021
Blogs
Portman Group research into consumer interest in Low and No Alcohol
20 January 2021
Press Releases
Complaint against ‘Colorado High’, the first CBD infused product to be considered by the alcohol sector’s Independent Complaints Panel, is upheld
4 January 2021
Press Releases
Post COVID-19 = driest January on record? New research shows Brits embrace low and no like never before
21 December 2020
Blogs
John Timothy Leaves the Portman Group
17 December 2020
Blogs
WHO Consultation
3 December 2020
Press Releases
Portman Group Announces New Chief Executive
26 October 2020
COVID-19
COVID-19 Blog Series – Goodbye
21 October 2020
Press Releases
Campari UK becomes the Portman Group’s newest member
19 October 2020
COVID-19
Selling Safely Online – Portman Group
15 October 2020
Press Releases
Nicola Williams is Announced as New ICP Chair
15 October 2020
COVID-19
Mindful Drinking in Lockdown – Club Soda
13 October 2020
Blogs
Goodbye from Jenny Watson CBE
12 October 2020
Press Releases
Complaint against Heineken’s Orchard Thieves cider not upheld
12 October 2020
COVID-19
Stockpiling to Sales – Portman Group
8 October 2020
COVID-19
Global Leadership – IARD
5 October 2020
COVID-19
‘Cheers’ Campaign – SAIP
1 October 2020
COVID-19
Community Approaches – UK Spirits Alliance
28 September 2020
COVID-19
Lockdown and Beyond, Pandemic Drinking Trends – Portman Group
24 September 2020
COVID-19
Support for High Risk Drinkers – Drinkaware
23 September 2020
Press Releases
New Chair Philip Rycroft shares his vision for an expanded Portman Group
21 September 2020
COVID-19
Moderate Lockdown Drinking – Portman Group and YouGov Research
17 September 2020
COVID-19
Whisky and Hand Sanitiser – Scotch Whisky Association
16 September 2020
Press Releases
Complaint against Hammerton Brewery’s Buoyancy Aid not upheld
16 September 2020
Press Releases
COMPLAINT AGAINST ASTON MANOR’S FROSTY JACK’S CIDER NOT UPHELD
15 September 2020
Press Releases
Response to the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ report on lockdown drinking
14 September 2020
Press Releases
Response to the AHA report on alcohol harm
14 September 2020
COVID-19
Producer Actions – Portman Group Members
10 September 2020
COVID-19
Pubs Support Local Communities During Lockdown – British Beer and Pub Association
8 September 2020
Press Releases
Statement on the Social Market Foundation report on low and no alcohol
7 September 2020
COVID-19
COVID-19 Blog Series – Introduction
7 September 2020
Press Releases
Portman Group Launches Response To COVID-19 Blog Series Featuring Drinkaware and BBPA
4 September 2020
Press Releases
Thatchers becomes the Portman Group’s newest member
26 August 2020
Press Releases
Response to AHA audit on alcohol labelling
24 August 2020
Press Releases
English lead the return to the pub, while ‘Gen-Z’ move from ‘generation sober’ to ‘generation congregate’
19 August 2020
Press Releases
Shaken, not stirred – alcohol producers clear industry regulatory hurdles
13 August 2020
Blogs
Clearing the scrutiny – 95% of the industry adhere to the rules
3 August 2020
Press Releases
Scottish alcohol industry partnership welcomes the Portman Group as a new member
3 July 2020
Press Releases
Portman Group calls on drinkers to enjoy the moment, but to do so responsibly this weekend
3 July 2020
Press Releases
Complaint against Karpackie 9% upheld
24 June 2020
Blogs
Portman Group research shows Brits continue to moderate their drinking under lockdown
18 June 2020
Blogs
Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel (June 2020)
5 June 2020
Press Releases
New surveys show Brits drinking moderately under lockdown
3 June 2020
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to new survey on drinking during the Covid-19 lockdown
21 May 2020
Blogs
Alcohol industry continues to step up to help tackle COVID-19 and support local communities
15 May 2020
Blogs
Sampling and promotions under social distancing
15 May 2020
Press Releases
PG responds to new Drinkaware survey on lockdown drinking among furloughed workers
7 May 2020
Press Releases
Portman Group urges continued moderation through the long weekend
4 May 2020
Blogs
Stockpiling fears appear unfounded as lockdown Brits drinking same or less
1 May 2020
Press Releases
Portman Group hails latest CGA survey showing Brits drinking same or less during lockdown
2 April 2020
Blogs
Alcohol industry steps up action to help tackle COVID-19 and support local communities
17 March 2020
Blogs
How to contact us whilst our team works remotely due to Government advice on Covid-19
3 March 2020
Blogs
How Retailer Alert Bulletins Work
3 March 2020
Press Releases
Complaints against two Lost and Grounded products
3 March 2020
Press Releases
Complaint against Oranjeboom 8.5% Upheld
3 March 2020
Press Releases
Complaint against Purity Brewing’s ‘Lawless’ Upheld
27 February 2020
Blogs
Tackling alcohol harm with Scottish Parliamentarians
25 February 2020
Press Releases
A new era for the Portman Group: Increased and growing membership
25 February 2020
Blogs
How the Independent Complaints Panel Works
13 February 2020
Blogs
Are you the next Chair of the Portman Group?
10 February 2020
Press Releases
Complaint against Taras Boulba Upheld
10 February 2020
Press Releases
Complaint against Ménage à Trois Midnight Upheld
23 January 2020
Press Releases
Trends for 2020: Nearly 60% of people trying lower alcohol substitutes
20 January 2020
Blogs
Meditations on the Mindful Drinking festival
9 January 2020
Blogs
Portman Group survey reminds producers that container choice has impact on drinker perceptions
6 January 2020
Press Releases
COMPLAINT AGAINST FOURPURE BREWING COMPANY’S JUICEBOX UPHELD
3 January 2020
Press Releases
Complaint Against Birra Moretti Grani Antichi Not Upheld
3 January 2020
Press Releases
Complaint Against Leffe Brune Abbey Not Upheld
2 January 2020
Press Releases
Latest Portman Group-YouGov survey provides update on public’s view on how alcohol containers shape consumption
12 December 2019
Blogs
John Timothy CEO – how to address political challenges to the alcohol sector
9 December 2019
Press Releases
The Portman Group celebrates ‘30 years of alcohol corporate social responsibility’
7 December 2019
Blogs
Portman Group responds to the Northern Ireland consultation on liquor licensing
6 December 2019
Press Releases
PORTMAN GROUP RESPONSE TO RECENT COVERAGE OF THE ICP DECISION ON TINY REBEL’S CWTCH
2 December 2019
Press Releases
COMPLAINT UPHELD AGAINST OAKHAM ALE’S THRILLSEEKER
2 December 2019
Press Releases
COMPLAINT UPHELD AGAINST TINY REBEL’S CWTCH
7 November 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to new OECD report ‘Health at a Glance 2019’
31 October 2019
Press Releases
Sir Martin Narey to step down as Portman Group Chairman
30 October 2019
Press Releases
Complaint Against The Bearded Brewery’s Suicyder Upheld
7 October 2019
Press Releases
Complaint Against Beavertown Brewery’s Bloody Ell Not Upheld
7 October 2019
Press Releases
Complaint Against Camden Town Brewery’s Show Off Lager Not Upheld
30 September 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group welcomes IARD report highlighting declining binge drinking in Europe
9 September 2019
Blogs
The decline of underage drinking in the UK
27 August 2019
Press Releases
Marks & Spencer Group plc’s Porn Star Martini Decision Upheld
27 August 2019
Press Releases
Jameson Irish Whiskey Barrelback On-Trade Promotion Decision Upheld
13 August 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group welcomes IARD report highlighting declining underage drinking
1 August 2019
Press Releases
Consumer enthusiasm shows that the low and no alcohol boom is here to stay
31 July 2019
Press Releases
The Portman Group encourages industry to include 14 unit CMO guidance on labels
23 July 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group response to new Government paper on preventative health
18 July 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group response to BMA letter to the Public Health Minister
10 July 2019
Press Releases
Sweet Little Glitter Bomb Bubble Gum Gin Liqueur, Sweet Little Glitter Bomb Love Heartz, & Sweet Little Pink Vanilla Candy Floss Gin Based Liqueur Decisions Upheld
30 June 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group Statement on latest HSCIC statistics
27 June 2019
Blogs
Supporting the exciting rise of the low and no alcohol category
17 June 2019
Press Releases
Sir Martin Narey calls for better health advice and challenges all large producers to support the work of the Portman Group
30 May 2019
Blogs
UK drinking patterns are getting more responsible, let’s make sure this continues!
15 May 2019
Blogs
Alcohol marketing teams, don’t catch a fright this Halloween, be prepared!
16 April 2019
Blogs
Putting the relative risks of alcohol consumption into context
16 April 2019
Press Releases
Neck Oil – Complaint Not Upheld
16 April 2019
Press Releases
Unicorn Tears Gin Liqueur, Unicorn Tears Raspberry Gin Liqueur and Unicorn Tears Raspberry Gin Liqueur Miniature
15 March 2019
Press Releases
Police Chief calls on industry and public health to build trust and work in partnership to tackle harm
14 March 2019
Press Releases
Zymurgorium Forced Darkeside Rhubarb Gin Liqueur, Flamingo Tears and Pixie Tears – Complaints Not Upheld
4 March 2019
Press Releases
Revised Code targets offensive marketing and sets immoderate consumption definition
21 February 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to High Streets and Town Centres 2030 report
18 February 2019
Press Releases
Partnership working key to a safer and healthier night time economy across the South West
8 February 2019
Press Releases
3 Pugs Bubblegum Gin Liqueur – Complaint Upheld
5 February 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to new NHS alcohol data sets
1 February 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group response to ASA report on declining exposure to TV alcohol adverts
31 January 2019
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to London’s Night Time Commission report
22 January 2019
Press Releases
New research shows that 76% of people are now drinking at, or below, low risk levels
16 January 2019
Press Releases
Low and No Alcohol Boom Here To Stay
21 December 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group response to NHS Safe Space announcement
13 December 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to low and no alcohol descriptors consultation outcome
4 December 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to NHS health survey
22 November 2018
Press Releases
The night time economy is central to regenerating town centres, say Local Alcohol Partnerships Group
20 November 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to low and no consultation outcome
19 November 2018
Press Releases
Targeted help needed to tackle the heaviest drinkers in the UK says alcohol watchdog
9 November 2018
Press Releases
HappyDown Cocktail – Complaint Upheld
8 November 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group responds to Mayor of London’s report on the Night Time Economy
5 November 2018
Press Releases
Complaint Against Desperados Not Upheld
26 October 2018
Press Releases
Fynoderee Manx Bumbee Vodka – Complaint Not Upheld
25 October 2018
Press Releases
Partnership working crucial to creating safe and vibrant town centres in Scotland
24 October 2018
Press Releases
Disco Forklift Truck Mango Pale Ale – Complaint Upheld
17 October 2018
Press Releases
Cronk Y Voddy – Complaints Upheld Under Sponsorship and Marketing Codes
12 October 2018
Press Releases
Easy IPA – Complaint Upheld
8 October 2018
Press Releases
Bars and restaurants will save the high street, say local councillors
13 September 2018
Press Releases
Slingshots – Complaint Upheld
26 July 2018
Press Releases
Local Alcohol Partnerships Group pledges its support to the Women’s Night Safety Charter
18 July 2018
Press Releases
Fall in teenage pregnancies as younger generation drink less
10 July 2018
Press Releases
BrewDog ‘Pink IPA’ – Complaint Upheld
6 July 2018
Press Releases
Yes, we are fit for purpose
3 July 2018
Press Releases
Developing a national ‘Safe Space’ framework could save public money and reduce alcohol harm
3 July 2018
Press Releases
Four new members appointed to Independent Complaints Panel for alcohol marketing
26 June 2018
Press Releases
Hoola Hooch – Complaint Not Upheld
19 June 2018
Press Releases
Partnership working vital to creating vibrant town centres and safer night time economies
14 June 2018
Press Releases
Raising a toast to a responsible World Cup
13 June 2018
Press Releases
UK alcohol watchdog annual report highlights growth in nostalgia based marketing
30 May 2018
Press Releases
We’re here to help, says Portman Group at craft beer event
24 May 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group response to World Cancer Research Fund report
21 May 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group calls for ‘clarity & consistency’ on low alcohol descriptors
18 May 2018
Press Releases
How our drinking habits have changed over four decades of royal weddings
18 May 2018
Press Releases
SPAR ‘Everyday Wine’ press releases – Complaint upheld
26 April 2018
Press Releases
Ambitious Code Review announced by UK Alcohol marketing watchdog
26 March 2018
Press Releases
Partnership working highlighted as the key to creating safe and vibrant town centres
5 March 2018
Press Releases
Fifth Review Planned for Alcohol Marketing Watchdog’s Code of Practice
1 February 2018
Press Releases
Behind the Headlines Blog: So what’s really going on with the Baby Boomers?
26 January 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group Statement on RSPH’s Report, Labelling the Point
7 January 2018
Press Releases
Portman Group response to NHS Long-Term plan and new alcohol care teams
15 December 2017
Press Releases
Portman Group statement on record low underage drinking statistics
11 December 2017
Press Releases
Cwtch – Complaint upheld
5 December 2017
Press Releases
Safe Spaces play vital role in supporting the UK’s vibrant night-time economy and reducing vulnerability
11 October 2017
Press Releases
New Portman Group report: Encouraging a thriving and diverse night-time economy
23 August 2017
Press Releases
CollaGin – Complaint Upheld For Making Thereapeutic Claims
23 August 2017
Press Releases
Mr Gladstone’s Curious Emporium – Complaint Upheld
3 August 2017
Press Releases
Portman Group statement on latest DfT drink driving statistics
1 June 2017
Press Releases
Cactus Jack’s Schnapps – Complaint Not Upheld
25 April 2017
Press Releases
Portman Group Confirms New CEO Appointment
7 April 2017
Press Releases
Two New Members Appointed To Independent Alcohol Complaints Panel
14 March 2017
Blogs
Emojis in Alcohol Marketing
7 February 2017
Press Releases
Portman Group statement on latest ONS alcohol-related death figures
30 January 2017
Press Releases
Local Alcohol Partnerships schemes confirm support for new Local Alcohol Action Areas
12 January 2017
Press Releases
K Cider 500ml Can – Complaint Not Upheld
12 January 2017
Press Releases
Crest Super 10% 500ml Can – Complaint Not Upheld
12 January 2017
Press Releases
Oranjeboom 8.5% 500ml Can – Complaint Not Upheld
14 December 2016
Press Releases
Portman Group Statement on NHS Digital Health Survey for England 2015
2 December 2016
Press Releases
Portman Group Responds to Public Health England’s Alcohol Review
25 October 2016
Press Releases
Portman Group Statement on BMJ study of women’s alcohol consumption
24 October 2016
Press Releases
Portman Group Chief Executive, Henry Ashworth, recruited to lead IARD
25 August 2016
Press Releases
Portman Group’s Response to Chief Medical Officers’ Alcohol Guidelines
15 July 2016
Press Releases
New report showcases best practice for building safe & vibrant night time economies
13 July 2016
Press Releases
Portman Group Publishes Annual Marketing Regulation Report & New Regulation Explainer Video
2 June 2016
Press Releases
Captain Morgan – Complaint Not Upheld
2 June 2016
Press Releases
Kopparberg Frozen Fruit Cider Pack – Complaint Not Upheld
6 May 2016
Press Releases
Behind the Headlines: Alcohol-related hospital admissions
6 May 2016
Press Releases
Heineken Spectre 5% ABV 330ml Bottle (Primary and Secondary Packaging) – Complaint Not Upheld
15 April 2016
Press Releases
#LDNPARTNERS
23 March 2016
Press Releases
Nottinghamshire Praised for Tackling Alcohol-Related Crime – Improving Local High Streets
23 March 2016
Press Releases
PG welcome government strategy to tackle alcohol-related crime through industry partnerships
14 January 2016
Press Releases
MMWAH 5 x 20ml Bottles Mixed Flavour Drinks Complaint Upheld
8 January 2016
Press Releases
Portman Group Statement on New Alcohol Guidelines