The career of "alcotubes" ended before it began. After a two-day storm, the manufacturer, which had launched (some time ago) colorful sachets of liquor and vodka, apologized, announcing that it would withdraw the products and halt production. There are many indications that one company's false step will be felt by the entire industry, as politicians have begun to speak out about the need to standardize packaging.
There will be no tubes and sachets of alcohol
Published Oct. 2, 2024 12:16
Fot. Getty Images/iStockphoto
On Monday, it was reported in the media that a product, already announced earlier, had appeared in some retail chains, namely (high-proof) alcohol in sachets. However, the fact that sachets or tubes, vividly resembling colorful packages of mousses and desserts for children (by the way, the company that decided on this "innovative" step is also a manufacturer of assortments aimed at the youngest, precisely mousses and desserts) caused astonishment and outrage.
Internet users have not left a dry thread on the idea, and artists, influencers, doctors and politicians have joined the campaign against "alcotubes." Among others, Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Holownia spoke out ("I won't let go as an MP either," the politician announced, stressing that he was speaking first - with the utmost indignation - as a father), and on Tuesday the Prime Minister also spoke out ("this stunt in Poland will not pass"). There were announcements of "personal consequences" against those who failed to recognize the danger, changes in the law (at the level of regulations and laws) and direct action by the sanitary inspectorate, i.e. inspections of stores. At the same time, by Tuesday afternoon it was already clear that there would not really be anyone to control - retail chains began to announce the withdrawal of tubes of alcohol from sale, and there were also reports of a complete break in cooperation with the company that marketed the goods.
On Tuesday evening, the manufacturer issued a statement apologizing for the product (the company had previously said it met legal requirements and rejected accusations of targeting younger consumers) and announced it would halt production and withdraw the alcohol tubes from stores. But it's safe to say that the milk has already been spilled, because there have been announcements from those in power about changes in the law, the aim of which will be to standardize packaging, that is, to enumerate what alcohol can be sold in, in what volumes and - equally important - with what labels. It is possible that the demand, made by, among others, public health specialists, that they be black and white and contain warnings (perhaps also graphic) on the model of those placed on tobacco packaging, will be met. It is possible that the new regulations will be attached to a draft already in the consultation process introducing a ban on the sale of alcohol at gas stations at night.
