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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Alcoholic gift packs can raise issues. In 2006, a complaint about a gift pack containing alcohol & a teddy bear was upheld after being given to a 9 year old. Under the Code, the term 'packaging' includes secondary packaging & items enclosed within it. www.portmangroup.org.uk/30-years-30-...

portmangroup.org.uk

30 Years, 30 Decisions -Bubbly and Bear Gift Pack - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Katie and Laura are at the Trade Drinks Expo today and tomorrow, come and say hello and learn more about what we do here at the Portman Group. Find us at booth TD321.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

30 years of the Code: in 2005, ‘Rocket Fuel’ was considered under rules preventing alcohol strength or intoxicating effects from becoming a dominant theme. It showed the value of our free Advisory Service in helping producers address potential issues early. www.portmangroup.org.uk/30-years-of-...

portmangroup.org.uk

30 Years of the Code, 30 Decisions - Rocket Fuel - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Pregnancy comes with a million choices, alcohol-free pregnancy is the safest one. #JustOneChoice campaign takes that message to venues, shelves & feeds where the conversation hasn’t been happening. We're proud to support National FASD Find out more: www.nationalfasd.org.uk/welcometojustonechoice/

nationalfasd.org.uk

Welcome to Just One Choice

Our new campaign for the on-trade made possible through support from Diageo, HEINEKEN UK, The Portman Group and the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP).

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Back in 2003, this product’s sperm-shaped packaging & the claim ‘Keep ‘em coming’ inextricably linked the product with sexual activity, it was, unsurprisingly, found in breach of the Code. Read more in our series looking back at 30 years of the Code. www.portmangroup.org.uk/30-years-of-...

portmangroup.org.uk

30 Years of the Code, 30 Decisions - X-Plode - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

The 2000s saw rulings against products playing on allusions to drugs. Crack Ice was one, with the Panel finding “crack”, “buzz” & “illicit”, suggested an association with crack cocaine. Read about 30 key decisions from 30 years of the Code of Practice. www.portmangroup.org.uk/30-years-of-...

portmangroup.org.uk

30 Years of the Code, 30 Decisions - Crack Ice - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

A complaint against a promotional activity, featuring a BuzzBallz branded Gacha Machine has been upheld by the Independent Complaints Panel. Every element of the promotion was found to have particular appeal to under-18s, read more about it here: www.portmangroup.org.uk/complaint-up...

portmangroup.org.uk

Complaint upheld against BuzzBallz Gacha Machine Promotion - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Continuing our look back over the past 30 years of Code decisions, this time - Shag Lager. Despite arguments that Shag was referring to a seabird, this was found to have an association with sexual success. Read more about why this decision was made: www.portmangroup.org.uk/30-years-of-...

portmangroup.org.uk

30 Years of the Code, 30 decisions - Shag Lager - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

We're delighted to welcome Moet Hennessy as our newest member. Bringing the number of full members to 20 - the largest the membership has ever been, demonstrating the continued commitment of the sector to responsible marketing. www.portmangroup.org.uk/the-portman-...

portmangroup.org.uk

The Portman Group welcomes Moët Hennessy as its newest member - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice 👻 Our latest look back at 30 years of Code decisions revisits Dr Thirsty's Beetlejuice (1997). The alcohol fruit drink was found to have particular appeal to under-18s and suggested it was a reputed aphrodisiac. www.portmangroup.org.uk/beetlejuice/

portmangroup.org.uk

Beetlejuice - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

What does the Portman Group do, and what happens if you receive a complaint? Matt and Laura joined Tim, the Brand Weaver, to explain how we work with producers and how the complaints process works. Have a listen 👇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHwZ...

youtube.com

How to Design Standout Beer Labels Without Getting Banned by Regulators?

YouTube video by Branding for Breweries

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

The 2nd in our blog series looking back at 30 key decisions taken over the past 30 years of the Code of Practice is a real blast from the past - TNT Liquid Dynamite. Read more about how this product was found to be a clear cut breach of the Code: www.portmangroup.org.uk/30-years-of-...

portmangroup.org.uk

30 years of the Code, 30 key decisions – TNT Liquid Dynamite - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

In our new blog series, we look back at 30 years of our Code of Practice and some of the most memorable decisions the Panel has ruled on. First up is one of the most well known - Hooch. www.portmangroup.org.uk/30-years-of-...

portmangroup.org.uk

30 years of the Code, 30 key decisions - Hooch - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Buying alcohol for someone under 18 is a criminal offence. You could face a fine of up to £5,000 or up to 3 months in prison. Or both. More info here www.itwillcostyou.com #itwillcostyou #proxypurchasing #underagedrinking #alcoholawareness

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

We're excited that our Director of Regulatory Affairs & our CEO will be chatting to Tim Weaver on his brilliant podcast Branding for Breweries, if you're a brewer or any alcohol producer, listen in to find out more about us. Stream live at 12 noon today: www.youtube.com/@Brandingfor...

youtube.com

Branding for Breweries

Branding for Breweries Podcast – The No-Nonsense Guide to Growing Your Brewery 🍻 The go-to channel for brewery owners, marketers, and beer professionals looking to boost sales and build unforgettable...

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Code rule 3.2(h) is one of the most commonly breached - a drink, its packaging or promotion should not have particular appeal to under-18s. To help navigate this complex area we commissioned Kids Industries to research what marketing appeals to under-18s. Read our blog on it: tinyurl.com/4ran4hs3

tinyurl.com

How to Ensure Alcohol Marketing Does Not Appeal to Under-18s - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Last week we celebrated 30 years of our Code of Practice, a Code that has stood the test of time because of a simple but powerful principle: that the industry should take responsibility for how alcohol is marketed. Here's to the next 30 years! Huge thanks to Campari for hosting us.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Our recent study has revealed near universal levels of compliance across the alcohol industry with our voluntary health labelling guidelines, UK consumers are now provided with more information than ever before on alcohol labels. Read the full report here: www.portmangroup.org.uk/alcohol-indu...

portmangroup.org.uk

Alcohol industry demonstrates near universal compliance with health labelling guidelines - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

With the World Cup just around the corner, read our latest blog on how to avoid any own goals in your alcohol sponsorship this summer and reach out to our free Advisory Service if you have any questions at all. www.portmangroup.org.uk/avoid-own-go...

portmangroup.org.uk

Avoid Own Goals in your Alcohol Sponsorship - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

A complaint against VK Squashka products has been upheld by the alcohol industry's Independent Complaints Panel. If you want to ensure your products are likely to comply with our Code of Practice get in touch with our free & fast Advisory Service. www.portmangroup.org.uk/complaint-up...

portmangroup.org.uk

Complaint upheld against VK Squashka Products - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Today, we've published the Independent Complaints Panel's decision to uphold a complaint against Cactus Jack's alcoholic schnapps. They were found in breach of a number of code rules, they're working with our Advisory Service to ensure future compliance. www.portmangroup.org.uk/complaint-up...

portmangroup.org.uk

Complaint upheld against Cactus Jack’s alcoholic schnapps products - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

Laura B and Katie W are excited to connect with producers at the Food & Drink Expo in Birmingham today, they'll be speaking to alcohol producers about our work and telling them about our free, confidential Advisory Service.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

It was great to attend the Best Bar None Awards this week. Thank you Sylvia Oates & the team at BBN for organising a fantastic evening to celebrate the great work BBN Schemes are doing to encourage safer socialising & keep hospitality venues at the heart of local communities.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Our CEO, Matt, took to the stage at SIBA 's BeerX today alongside Laura Brodie of International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) for a conversation that really matters - Brewing Responsibly: Why Self-Regulation Matters in the UK and Worldwide. Thanks for having us SIBA.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Working towards safer & inclusive hospitality is everyone's business & last week our Dir. of Ext. Affairs, David Saer, joined Ask for Angela to sign their pledge. Huge thanks to Sylvia Oates & her team for all their hard work in promoting the uptake of Ask for Angela in the UK.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

A brilliant day at Northern Restaurant & Bar 2026! Laura & Alison spent the day chatting about our free, confidential Advice Service for producers & marketing agencies on how to market & promote their products in line with our Codes of Practice. Find out more: www.portmangroup.org.uk/advice/

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

The Independent Complaints Panel is pleased to announce the appointment of 3 new Panel members. Karen Betts, Matt Barwell and Richard Schofield were welcomed by Panel Chair, Rachel Childs, at their first meeting. Read more: www.portmangroup.org.uk/alcohol-indu...

portmangroup.org.uk

Alcohol industry’s Independent Complaints Panel welcomes new appointments - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

Our CEO, Matt Lambert & PG team members were pleased to attend the Community Alcohol Partnership Awards @capimpact.bsky.social in the House of Commons yesterday, hosted by Chris Evans MP congratulations to all involved for the excellent work to encourage young people to have a drink free childhood.

Matt Lambert stands in front of a sign that says CAP Awards 2026 Welcome

Chris Evans MP stands at a lectern giving a speech to a room full of people.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

We're delighted to welcome Damm UK as our newest full member, bringing membership to 22 companies across the drinks industry – the largest ever. As we enter the 30th year of our Code of Practice, having a strong and flourishing membership is essential. www.portmangroup.org.uk/the-portman-...

portmangroup.org.uk

The Portman Group welcomes its newest member Damm UK - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

“Without being overly dramatic, when we received that letter from the Portman Group, it was one of the worst days of my life. But the more I looked into it the less scary it became." Hear more from Danny at Beak Brewery on how producers can work with us for a positive outcome. lnkd.in/e3C5N8Mn

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Our Director of Regulatory Affairs, Laura, spoke to The Drinks Business @teamdb.bsky.social about our recent proactive audit and how producers can avoid their products having particular appeal to under-18s. www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2026/02/how-...

thedrinksbusiness.com

How to ensure your product doesn't appeal to kids

An audit by regulatory body The Portman Group found that 94% of products complied with "responsible" alcohol marketing guidelines in 2025. However, most breaches related to designs having "particular ...

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 04/02/2026

Our first proactive audit of the alcoholic drinks market has shown near universal adherence to high standards of alcohol marketing. Learn more about the audit and read our Regulatory Report for 2025 - both published today. tinyurl.com/auditandregu...

tinyurl.com

Alcohol regulation and compliance from industry regulator - Portman Group

Learn about the importance of alcohol regulation, compliance and audit in maintaining industry responsibility.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Matt & Jacob had a great evening at the Westminster Arms last night with the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, hosted by Chair @ToniaAntoniazzi MP, celebrating low and no alcohol beers. Thanks to BBPA’s Steve Livens for the excellent advice and tasting notes 🍻

A woman on the left holds a can of no alcohol beer in one hand and a small tasting glass in the other hand, a man in a white shirt sits next to her smiling and on the right another man in glasses and a blue jacket also smiles at the camera.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 19/01/2026

Last week we attended Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership Parliamentary event on harmful drinking, highlighting recent Independent Complaints Panel decisions & wider regulatory & social responsibility work. @emmaroddicksnp.bsky.social @clairebakermsp.bsky.social @policescotland.bsky.social

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 14/01/2026

Today we've issued a Retailer Alert Bulletin (RAB) against Sip N Drip's Bubble Yum. It breached the Code by not communicating its alcoholic nature clearly & appealing to under-18s. Retailers must stop orders 3 months from publication. Read more 👉 tinyurl.com/4c4b7a4h

tinyurl.com

Retailer Alert Bulletin issued against Sip N Drip Bubble Yum - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Our Advisory Service will be closed from now until 5 January. See you in 2026.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Another fantastic event earlier this week saw our CEO, Matt Lambert, enjoying the APPG Beer Group Christmas reception, celebrating the positive benefits of the pub with Chair Tonia Antoniazzi MP.

A woman in a red Christmas jumper stands smiling and holding a pint of beer, she is next to a man in an open necked blue shirt and suit, he also holds a pint of beer. They are standing in front of a banner that reads All Party Parliamentary Beer Group.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Our CEO, Matt, was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden, before its official opening today. Congratulations Diageo on a fantastic facility helping to support hospitality and tourism in the heart of London.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Our CEO joined Sir Chris Bryant MP at the opening of AB InBev’s new de-alcoholisation facility at Magor Brewery: “It's great to see major producers investing in innovation to meet growing demand from consumers moderating their alcohol intake while still enjoying great products.”

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

We've published the latest decision by the Independent Complaints Panel - a rare case where the original upheld decision was overturned after careful consideration by the Panel and thoughtful engagement from the producer, Lervig. www.portmangroup.org.uk/complaint-no...

portmangroup.org.uk

Complaint not upheld against House Party IPA - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

It’s been a busy few weeks for our CEO & the External Affairs team. From Edinburgh to Liverpool, Birmingham & back to London - they’ve been meeting stakeholders & showcasing the Portman Group’s important work across the UK.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

We’ve issued our first Retailer Alert Bulletin (RAB) since 2023, against O.J Premium Strong Beer. It breached the Code by over-emphasising strength & encouraging immoderate consumption. Retailers must stop orders 3 months from publication. Read more: www.portmangroup.org.uk/retail-alert...

portmangroup.org.uk

Retail Alert Bulletin issued against O.J Premium Strong Beer - Portman Group

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 22/09/2025

We're looking for 2 Panel members to join the Independent Complaints Panel. We're looking for the following: 👉 Alcohol industry experience OR 👉 Adjudicatory or relevant regulatory experience Sounds like you? Find out more & see the job specs: www.portmangroup.org.uk/join-us/

portmangroup.org.uk

Join us - Portman Group

Explore Join us at Portman Group. Providing trusted information, guidance, and resources to support responsible alcohol regulation and industry best practices.

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 15/08/2025

It might be mid-summer but the Independent Complaints Panel has been working hard. See all the latest decisions: www.portmangroup.org.uk/media/

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 24/07/2025

We are proud to be supporting @THINKgovuk to highlight the risks of drink driving - from losing your licence and the freedom that comes with it, to injuring yourself or someone else. #DrinkALittleRiskALot

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

It's been a busy week as we work through the decisions from the independent audit of the UK alcohol market. The latest decisions can be found on our website. 👉👉https://www.portmangroup.org.uk/media/

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Portman Group @portmangroup.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

We've just published the first decisions from our proactive audit of the market. The first 3 products reviewed by the Independent Complaints Panel had their complaints not upheld. Read more here: 👉https://tinyurl.com/ywaz3svh

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