ABAC complaints decrease

The Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) has seen a significant reduction in complaints and
determinations this quarter, while demand for its pre-vetting service continues to grow.

ABAC made determinations on eleven of the 27 complaints received with just six of these upheld. Companies found to be in breach of the ABAC were Basic Babe, Mr Banks for two of its products: The Good Life West Coast DIPA and its Juice Bar Triple Fruited Gose, The Subtle Tea Company, Hello Drinks delivery service, and the Young Street Hotel in Newcastle.

“Demand for ABAC’s pre-vetting service continues to trend upwards, with higher levels of activity when compared with the same quarter last year,” ABAC Chair Harry Jenkins AO said.

"We were pleased to see alcohol producers and retailers continue to increase their use of this service ...the easiest and most efficient way for marketers to check their promotions and packaging are responsible before hitting the marketplace," said Mr Jenkins.

ABAC's Pre-vetting service is available to both signatories and non-signatories. This quarter ABAC received 782 pre-vetting inquiries of which 124 submissions were rejected.

Former advertising executive, Sally Walsh, has joined ABAC as a pre-vetter and is working alongside Ross Moyle and Melinda Pasut.

Mr Jenkins reminds advertisers that ABAC’s placement rules require available age restriction controls
to be applied to restrict alcohol marketing on social media to adults and this is an area currently being
monitored.

Step by step guides to activating age restrictions are available on the ABAC website.