In response to the concern that the product breached Code rule 3.2(h), the company stated that it took its alcohol licences very seriously and that it found the suggestion it had broken this particular rule disappointing. The company provided a list of other companies selling alcoholic drinks with sparkles in. The company stated that it did not see how prescription gin which contained sparkles was any different to the products it had highlighted. Sloe Gin Details: Smooth and sweet, heart-warming, traditional-style Sloe Gin. Ruby red in colour, gentle aromas of red plums blend. Sweetness and the natural bitterness of the sloes are perfectly balanced on the palate which is smooth and round, with a luscious, creamy texture. Despite the complaint being upheld on two counts, the Panel refused to condemn it on other alleged breaches of the Code, noting that: “The bottle referenced gin six times and the label clearly stated the alcoholic strength of the product. There was no evidence the product had an association with dangerous behaviour or a particular appeal to under-18s as the sparkles in the product were not the dominant feature, nor did the product have childish imagery, sweet flavours, contrast colours or a childish font.” Additionally, the product implied a link between consumption and curing physical and mental ailments. On the front of the bottle it stated, “Possible side effects: May include extreme relaxation, giddiness and happiness.”

Drinks regulatory body the Portman Group has upheld a complaint made against a gin brand, the bottle of which resembles a medicine bottle. In summary of the above, the Panel concluded that the product breached Code rules 3.2(f) and 3.2(j). The Panel also concluded that the product did not breach Code rules 3.1, 3.2(b), 3.2(h) or any other part of the Code. Action by company: All drinks are infused with a dry Gin, that has been crafted using traditional methods, and top quality botanicals.Raspberry Gin Details: Our Raspberry Liqueur is soaked in alcohol for several weeks to increase the depth of flavour, colour and to intensify the aroma of the fruit. Each medicine style bottle is made of toughened glass and comes with a wrapped cork for extra protection during transit. The bottles are a lovely keepsake and are reusable when the delicious contents have all gone! https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/mixpixie/product/personalised-medicine-style-flavoured-gin?fbclid=IwAR0VlCi2AVLDtuxn7Mp5XsmdT84199wXBrJcjAFIhUnFdAvfh-bSF3pDV9g Rhubarb & Ginger Details: Our rhubarb and ginger roots have a wonderfully warm and spicy taste that is bursting with flavour. The Panel noted that the bottle was designed to look like prescription medicine, in that the shape of the bottle, the name ‘Prescription Gin’ and the green cross displayed on the front of the bottle was an exact replica of a pharmacy cross in the UK.

Mixpixie has agreed to discontinue the gin and will work with the Portman Group on designing a new label. Raspberry Gin Liqueur, Golden Sparkly Spiced Gin Liqueur, Sloe Gin Liqueur and Rhubarb and Ginger Gin Liqueur Why not try..... our Raspberry Gin Liqueur as a delectable Raspberry Fizz. Simply add the raspberry gin liqueur to a glass of chilled Champagne or Prosecco topped with fresh raspberries for a real freshness. There's nothing better. The Panel therefore concluded there was a clear suggestion that the product had therapeutic qualities, which breached Code rule 3.2(j). The Panel then discussed whether the product suggested that it had therapeutic qualities, could enhance mental or physical capabilities, or change mood or behaviour. The Panel considered that the product was deliberately, and overtly, designed to look like a prescription medicine and that such medicines were synonymous with being used to cure and relieve physical and/or mental ailments. The Panel reiterated the points made during discussion under other Code rules and noted the usage of the exact replica of a pharmacy cross, small medicinal bottle shape and medicinal liquid colour which, when combined, suggested that the product had therapeutic qualities. The Panel also noted that the front of the bottle stated, “POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: MAY INCLUDE EXTREME RELAXATION, GIDDINESS AND HAPPINESS.” The Panel considered that this directly suggested that the product could help a consumer to relax and that it would also result in happiness after consumption. The Panel considered that these phrases also suggested that the product had a therapeutic effect and that it could change someone’s mood. The Panel therefore concluded that the product breached rule 3.2(j).The company highlighted that the product clearly stated, “This product contains alcohol. By purchasing this product, you confirm that you are 18 years of age or over.” The front of the bottle also featured the statement, ‘Possible side effects: may include extreme relaxation, giddiness and happiness’. This implies a link between consumption and curing physical and mental ailments, the ICP found.

Nicola Williams, chair of the Independent Complaints Panel, said: “It is wholly irresponsible to present an alcoholic drink as prescription medication and suggest that consumption of it can cure mental and physical ailments. In this case, the product also created a link to irresponsible and immoderate consumption which was particularly concerning when the product was encouraging consumption based on health grounds. Caution must be exercised with tongue in cheek marketing so that it does not breach the Code”. The company opened by stating that it appreciated the complainant’s misunderstandings, but that it disputed the points raised and wished to respond to the concerns. suggest that the product has therapeutic qualities, can enhance mental or physical capabilities, or change mood or behaviour.”

Dr Eamers' Dry Gin Details

Personalised gifting company Mixpixie has agreed to discontinue its Prescription Gin after a complaint was upheld over its medicine-inspired bottle design. The label for Prescription Gin featured a green pharmacy cross The company explained that it took its alcohol licence very seriously and that it had met with Trading Standards to ensure that no laws or rules had been breached with the product. The company stated that Trading Standards had approved the changes and that it was also waiting to hear from the Advertising Standards Authority to confirm compliance before any further changes were made to the product. The Panel’s assessment: Gifting company MixPixie has been forced to discontinue its ‘Prescription Gin’ brand after a complaint made by a member of the public was upheld by regulatory body the Portman Group. MixPixie will now work with an advisory service on designing a new label for its gin.

For Gin lovers, why not add one of our greetings cards, as seen in the last photo. Each card comes with a Feel Good playlist of over 5 hours of the best feel-good songs, accessible through the spotify code printed on the card. Choose from four different Gin designs. Furthermore, the Panel stated it was irresponsible to imply that an alcoholic drink was something to be prescribed or suggest that it could make an individual feel ‘better’.Our Spiced Gin liqueur is warming and aromatic, with sweet orange notes and lingering spice from cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Infused with a dry Gin that has been crafted using top quality botanicals. Why not try..... A festive twist on a gin and tonic. Add 50ml of our Spiced Gin to a glass and top up with 150ml of premium tonic water. Garnish with a twist of orange peel. Industry watchdog the Portman Group received a complaint from a member of the public against Mixpixie’s Prescription Gin. It was upheld on two counts, with the gin found to be encouraging irresponsible and immoderate consumption, and implying it had therapeutic qualities.