Whalesbook
The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the packaging of alcoholic beverages in tetra packs and sachets, describing them as "very deceptive." A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued notices to the Union government, various state excise departments, and liquor manufacturers Globus Spirits and Wave Distilleries. The court is reviewing a public interest litigation that advocates for a uniform definition of "bottling," proposing that alcohol should only be packaged in glass bottles or other clearly identifiable containers. This would restrict the use of less conspicuous packaging approved under broader terms like "other approved receptacles."
The petition was filed by Community Against Drunken Driving, an organization campaigning against the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. Their counsel, Vipin Nair, highlighted that unlike tobacco products, these alcohol packages often lack explicit health warnings. Instead, they feature attractive designs, such as pictures of fruits like apples and mangoes on vodka bottles, which can mislead consumers.
Marketing Tactics Under Scrutiny
The PIL argues that alcohol, particularly cheaper varieties, is being marketed in inconspicuous formats like portable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, plastic sachets, and tetra packs across several states. These products are branded with names like 'Bunty Premium Vodka' and 'Chelli Mango Vodka', designed with vivid colors to resemble fruit juices. The petition contends this is a deliberate strategy to mask alcoholic beverages as non-alcoholic drinks, thereby evading regulatory oversight and appealing to underage individuals.
Concerns Over Accessibility and Illicit Trade
The court's intervention addresses concerns that such packaging facilitates easy access and concealment of alcohol. This, in turn, could encourage underage drinking, promote public consumption, and potentially aid in smuggling alcohol across state borders. The petition further noted that any health warnings, if present, are often in small print and difficult for consumers to see or understand.
The next hearing for the petition is scheduled for August 10.