Anger erupts over new alcoholic drink Solo
- An alcoholic version of the popular Solo soft drink provokes a formal complaint
A new alcoholic version of the popular Solo soft drink has led to a formal complaint due to concerns that it could appeal to underage drinkers.
The Western Australia Cancer Council filed the complaint with the Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) Scheme.
The complaint alleges that the manufacturer, Asahi, violated a section of the code that prohibits alcoholic beverages from having “strong and obvious appeal” to minors.
A new alcoholic version of the popular Solo soft drink has led to a formal complaint due to concerns that it could appeal to underage drinkers.
Alcohol producers voluntarily agree to follow the code when promoting their products. An update to the code on August 1 addressed growing concerns about the use of soft drinks and confectionery flavors and the marketing of alcoholic products.
“Solo is a well-known soft drink brand in Australia, is popular with children and adolescents and has highly recognizable branding, packaging and advertising,” the complaint states.
“The Hard Solo product is an extension of the soft drink brand, using the same brand colors, icon and font on the packaging and the same shape as the Solo soft drink.”
There are no fines or penalties for breaking the code.
Hayden Turner, head of marketing for Asahi’s subsidiary CUB Premium Beverages, said the various black cans and prominent alcohol brands prevent confusion with the iconic lemon-pumpkin drink.
Turner added that the product had received prior approval from ABAC.
Caterina Giorgi, executive director of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, expressed concern that liquor companies are increasingly targeting the youth market.
“This is one of the first (instances) that we know of here in Australia,” Giorgi told The Herald.
“It’s a flavor and a product that people are familiar with, including young people, so they’re really trying to capitalize on that particular market.”
Blind taste tests of the new drink on TikTok have garnered thousands of views, with many users claiming they cannot detect alcohol in the drink.
“It’s quite worrying, if I were a kid and just took this I wouldn’t know the difference.”
Each 375ml can of Hard Solo contains 4.5% alcohol content, or about 1.3 standard drinks.
