I’m not usually a fan of the nanny state, but I think the authorities may gave got it right by forcing Hard Solo to change its name and packaging.
Just in case you don’t know, Hard Solo is the alcoholic version of the soft drink and comes in a black packaging instead of the usual yellow. It is 4.5 per cent alcohol by volume.
There were a series of complaints about the alcoholic drink’s resemblance to soft drink, and frankly I have to agree with them. If you look at the cans side to side, it’s blindingly obvious.
Alcohol producers voluntarily agree to adhere a code called the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) when advertising their products. The code was updated on August 1 to address increased concerns about the use of soft drink and confectionary flavours, and the marketing of alcohol products.
The Cancer Council of Western Australia lodged a complaint about the drink, arguing they contained a “strong and evident appeal” to minors.
“Solo is a well-known soft drink brand in Australia, is popular with children and teenagers, and has highly recognisable branding, packaging, and advertising,” the complaint said.
The complaint was upheld and the drink will be renamed Hard Rated. The last drinks packaged as Hard Solo are expected to leave the supply chain in late February.
Do you think the change is warranted?
.
