‘Complete overreach’: Plan for ban on some premixed drinks slammed

A proposal to regulate the “taste profile” of mixed drinks in a bid to clamp down on flavours attractive to kids risks turning NSW into a “nanny state”, the NSW opposition says.

Plans which could result in premixed alcoholic drinks being banned if they’re too sweet have been labelled a “complete overreach” by the NSW Opposition.

Shadow Gaming and Racing spokesman Kevin Anderson said draft guidelines released to the industry – which include proposals to regulate the “taste profile” of mixed drinks in a bid to clamp down on flavours attractive to kids – risked turning NSW into a “nanny state”.

“This is complete overreach, and banning drinks based on colour or flavour isn’t going to solve the issue of underage drinking but will just hurt businesses and people who do the right thing,” Mr Anderson said.

Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson. Picture: Jonathan Ng

He also questioned who would be tasked with judging if a drink reached the threshold of being banned.

“There are also questions around who the judge and jury will be when it comes to determining what’s in and what’s out,” he said.

“Minors are prohibited to drink alcohol and there are already strict rules in place for packaging and promotion – so this is a silly idea that will turn us into a nanny state ahead of the silly season.”

Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris was contacted for comment, with a spokesman for Liquor and Gaming saying the guidelines were still only drafts and were open for feedback from the industry.

Miranda Thomas and Grace O’Keeffe enjoying their alcoholic soft drinks. Picture: Richard Dobson

Fellr’s collaboration with Messina could fall foul of new guidelines coming for “dessert-based” flavours. Picture: Richard Dobson.

“Liquor and Gaming NSW are in the early stage of developing draft guidelines for liquor product and packaging,” he said.

“Once consultation is completed, Liquor and Gaming NSW will provide a report to the NSW Government that will consider all feedback.”

The guidelines are being formed to as the department seeks to keep regulations up to date with the booming premixed alcohol sector, with the regulation of drinks attractive to underage drinkers the primary focus of the new guidelines.

The industry had been warned drinks could face being taken off shelves if they are deemed “undesirable”, with “confectionary or dessert-based” flavours in the sights of regulators.