Company: The Spilt Drinks Company
Breach: Yes
Final Decision: 24 September 1996
Considered under the 1st Edition of the Code
Complaint Summary
“The cartoon character used to promote this drink is very much in the style of cartoon characters likely to appeal more to under 18s than to adults.”
Complainant
Alcohol Concern
Decision
The company, Spilt Drinks Co, requested details of the complaint and complainant. This was supplied. The manufacturers said that they had consulted customers and said the packaging design and make-up are very adult in appearance.
Whilst it was accepted that there was no deliberate attempt to appeal to children, having considered the complaint objectively, it was considered that the cartoon character as portrayed did have a young childlike appeal. It was found that the character did not conform with the Code.
UPHELD
Action by Company
The company has agreed to remove the cartoon character once the stock of printed sleeves is exhausted.