Alcoholic soft-drinks will face no more regulation after Minns steps in

NSW’s teetotaling Premier has stepped in to stop any more regulation on alcoholic versions of popular soft-drinks, as the booze category explodes in popularity.

Premier Chris Minns has overruled booze bureaucrats to stop any further regulation on popular alcoholic soft-drinks, declaring that the current rules go far enough.

It comes after The Saturday Telegraph revealed that the state’s liquor regulator wanted the power to ban drinks based on taste.

The proposed rules could have pulled popular flavoured vodka, alcoholic ginger beer, and other premixed drinks from the shelves.

Following the revelations Mr Minns told Liquor and Gaming NSW to pause consultation on the guidelines.

Now the Telegraph can reveal he has stepped in to stop any further regulation on the increasingly popular market.

Grace O’Keeffe and Miranda Thomas sample colourful alcoholic soft drinks. Picture: Richard Dobson

Liquor and Gaming NSW initially proposed banning certain drinks if the taste of alcohol was “masked”. Picture: Richard Dobson

“The Minns Labor Government has determined that no further regulation is needed regarding alcoholic versions of soft drinks,” a spokesman for Minister David Harris said.

“The government believes the current regulatory environment is appropriate for managing the risks of underage drinking without stopping adults from making their own decisions about what they drink.”

The draft consultation from Liquor and Gaming NSW to ban certain drinks as “undesirable” was based in part on advice from health bureaucrats.

Alcoholic versions of soft drinks, like Brookevale Union’s Iced Tea products, will be saved any further regulation. Picture: Richard Dobson

The liquor regulator justified the proposed guidelines as a way to prevent drinks from being sold if they appeal to minors.

Heavy-handed regulations have already forced Hard Solo to rebrand as “Hard Rated,” and banned the sale of certain flavours of Billson’s vodka.

Industry groups on Friday welcomed the government’s decision to stop any more regulations.

“We are pleased that commonsense has prevailed and the NSW Government has recognised that NSW adults are responsible enough to make their own decisions about what they drink,” Retail Drinks Australia CEO Michael Waters said.

Maybe Group co-founder Stephano Catino (left) said freezing alcohol taxes would support local producers. Picture: Supplied

The decision comes as industry leaders joined calls for a cut to alcohol taxes to reinvigorate Sydney’s night-life.

The Telegraph revealed on Friday that distillers and brewers have launched a war on the Albanese government over twice-yearly tax hikes on alcohol in the lead up to the election.

“While the Minns Government is doing everything it can to put NSW night-life on the global stage, the handbrake is being slammed on in Canberra,” Night Time Industries Association CEO Mick Gibb said.

Night Time Industry Association CEO Mick Gibb said Commonwealth taxes are a “handbrake” on the night-time economy despite Premier Chris Minns attempts to revitalise night-life. Picture by Max Mason-Hubers

“Industry needs all levels of Government to come to the table to create a thriving night time economy,” he said.

The founder of one of the best bars in the world on Friday called for booze taxes to be “drastically” cut to support local distillers and build Australia’s international reputation.

Stefano Catino, a director of the Maybe Group of top-rated bars, said that Australia’s soaring booze taxes are killing our local liquor industry.

Billson’s flavoured vodka has previously fallen foul of NSW regulations. Picture: Richard Dobson

The Maybe Group runs Maybe Sammy in The Rocks, which has won a slew of awards – including being named the most influential bar in the world in 2023 by Top 500 Bars list.

Mr Catino said it “doesn’t make sense” that top quality local products are more expensive here than international spirits.

“I live in Alexandria, and there is a distillery 10 minutes from my house.

“Their alcohol is more expensive than something that I can buy from England, which is shipped in a container and arrives here at $10 or $20 cheaper,” he said.