Portman's hands tied over 'libido' drink

A new energy drink claiming to be 'over-the-counter libido has been launched in the on-trade with the Portman Group powerless to stop it.

Energy 69 clearly flouts the Portman's code of practice but the group cannot act because it is below 0.5% abv.

The drink, which can be consumed on its own or as a mixer, claims to give any bar 'a much-needed injection of vigour courtesy of its 'well-endowed ingredients. Point-of-sale material includes T-shirts for bar staff sporting the slogans 'I love to swallow... Energy 69 and 'I love the taste of a 69.

'Women love the drink be-cause it's not fizzy and is made of natural ingredients, plus it has a wonderful aroma and taste, said director Richard Horwell. 'Men buy it because it is a great mixer for cocktails and is a surefire way to get women in the right mood it's a lot cheaper than a bottle of Champagne.

The Portman Group code of practice bans any alcoholic product that suggests a link to sexual success. But Portman spokeswoman Sam Jobber said: 'There isn't anything we can say on the matter because it is a soft drink. We hope licensees with any taste won't stock it or use the point-of-sale material.