Retailers warned: Don’t target minors in promoting alcoholic drinks

MANILA, Philippines — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned retailers against targeting minors in promoting and selling alcoholic beverages following reports of flavored alcoholic drinks being sold to minors.

In a statement, the FDA said it was “sternly reminding” retailers “on the ethical sale of alcoholic beverages.”

“The FDA is sternly reminding all retailers to refrain from the promotion and selling of all alcoholic beverages, especially alcopops, to minors,” the FDA statement said on Friday (Aug. 23).

The agency also urged shop owners to display signs declaring no sale of alcoholic drinks to minors.

The FDA asked the public to be vigilant and report retailers selling alcoholic drinks to minors.

It said reports about erring retailers may be sent to eReport, the FDA’s online reporting site, at www.fda.gov.ph/ereport or phone numbers 857-1900 (local 8112 and 8115).

Senator Pia Cayetano shows one of those so-called alcopops during a Senate hearing. Photo from Office of Sen. Pia Cayetano

Last week, Sen. Pia Cayetano called for the pullout of alcopops, expressing alarm over its availability to minors.

“It is easily available in convenient stores, grocery stores, and no ID is being required of buyers,” she said. “Younshould not be selling this to minors,” Cayetano said.

The senator urged manufacturers to change the packaging of alcopops, noting that the drink has a “very colorful” packaging that could be attractive to children./tsb

READ: Cayetano wants alcopops out of store shelves, repackaged