US: Public in favour of warning labels on 'alcopops' - survey

By just-drinks.com editorial team | 7 April 2009

More than half of adults in the US believe that alcopops encourage underage drinking, according to a new survey.

The report also found that 92% of adults strongly support the use of warning labels on alcopops, because fruity, fizzy, pop-like drinks can be easily confused with non-alcoholic beverages.

Most adults also support greater restrictions on advertising of alcopops, or RTDs, to young people, found the survey, conducted by CS Mott Children's Hospital.

"Alcopops are sweet drinks made to taste like cola or soda pop or punch or lemonade," said Matthew Davis, MD, director of the CS Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health. "Typically, alcopops have between 5% and 8% alcohol content, which is a little bit more than most beers, and they're marketed to look like familiar drinks to kids."

Most alcopops contain distilled alcohol - such as vodka or whiskey - but are classified in most states as "malt beverages" similar to beer, the report said.

This designation allows alcopops to be marketed more widely, including online and in magazines, and sold in a greater number of retail locations.

Sectors: Spirits

Companies: CS