Complaints to the watchdog Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) more than doubled in the March quarter.
ABAC received 57 complaints with 9 upheld over the first three months of the year compared to 27 with 6 upheld in the same quarter last year.
ABAC chair Harry Jenkins reminds alcohol marketers to learn from the determinations from ABAC as they offer valuable guidance on responsible alcohol marketing.
Jenkins warns marketers "to continue to be aware that references of excess alcohol consumption are not permitted and will not be saved by the use of humour".
An Instagram ad featuring a DJ known as FISHER for alcoholic seltzer company Hard Fizz was been removed for encouraging excessive alcohol consumption.
“Several determinations this quarter examined ranges of packaging against the important standard that prevents alcohol marketing from having strong or evident appeal to minors," Jenkins said.
"The determinations provide helpful guidance to alcohol companies when developing packaging, and are a reminder to companies to take care when using confectionery and soft drink themes that hold nostalgia for adults to ensure those themes do not continue to hold strong appeal to minors currently."
Vodka pre-mix packaging from brewer Billson's was pinged twice in thie quater due to the similarity of colours and product names of soft drinks and confectionery typically consumed by minors.
"I am encouraged that all breaches arising from complaints received in 2022 resulted in the voluntary removal, discontinuation or a commitment to modify the material," Jenkins said.
"This combination of effective proactive and reactive measures ensures a strong regulatory system."
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