Vodka drink banned for appealing to kids

A vodka drink will be removed from sale because it looks like a soft drink and could appeal to children.

Following a complaint from Labour MP Sally Keeble, the Portman Group's independent panel ruled that ShotPak, which are sold in 50ml sachets, encourages rapid and excessive drinking.

The pre-mixed drinks, imported from the USA, are produced in the flavours Apple Sour, Lemon Drop, Purple Hooter and Kamikaze.

There are also full-strength vodka, rum, tequila and whisky versions which are primarily marketed as STR8UP but which feature ShotPak branding.

The panel decided the names Purple Hooter, and Lemon Drop would appeal to under-18s and that Kamikaze' is associated with self-destruction which could incite excessive drinking.

The Portman Group will be issuing a retailer alert bulletin instructing retailers to stop selling ShotPak and STR8UP.

David Poley, the Portman Group's chief executive, said: "These drinks may be acceptable in the States but their marketing falls well short of the standards that UK producers have set themselves.

"Some of their names will be particularly popular in the playground. Kamikaze is a blatant breach of our code for its association with bravado and danger."

The drinks are produced by Florida-based Beverage Pouch Group and imported into the UK by Chilling Rocks Beverages Ltd.