While the winegrowing world in France is concerned about decisions that may be taken regarding wine-related promotion on Internet, journalists are wondering if articles on wine and spirits are to be banned from the press. Indeed according to recent court decisions, because the French “Evin” law contains no definition of what constitutes advertising, any press article analysing wines or champagnes would be considered to be publicity with illegal content.

In a context of self-censorship, the president of the French National Daily Press Union has suggested that the following addendum to the law should be considered: “Any act or message that does not give rise to any payment or financial compensation in favour of its editor or issuer is not an advertisement or promotional item”. (Source: Décision Boissons  / Vinexpo)

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, has taken part in a national advertising spot on Californian wines, its gastronomy and tourist industry. This campaign, which has been run for the last five years by a partnership between the Wine Institute and the Californian Travel and Tourism Council, designated September as “Wine Month”, organising tastings, visits, concerts and bottle signing events at the state’s wineries, restaurants, wine stores and supermarkets. (Source: VSB)

The French government has proposed a series of measures aimed at cracking down on youth drinking.

These measures, proposed by Minister of Health Roselyne Bachelot, include the prevention of sales of alcohol to under 18s, the removal of any alcohol drinks in petrol service stations, and the end of ‘open bars’ –which charge entry but serve free drinks- for students.

There is also discussion about lowering the alcohol driving limit to 0.2 g/l from the current 0.3 g/l for young drivers. (Source: Decanter.com)

“It is illogical that an 18 year old can be licensed to sell alcohol, be a designated supervisor and not buy alcohol in their own shop but can still get married or fight for their country”. (Source: Harpers)

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has criticised the Scottish Government’s plans to tackle alcohol misuse. The Government’s proposals to deal with alcohol misuse include raising the minimum age for alcohol purchases in shops to 21, rising the price of alcohol by imposing minimum pricing and banning retail promotions. (Source: The drinks business)

An organic wine from Chile has oenophiles in San Francisco turning up their noses. But there’s nothing wrong with the wine. It’s the name that bothers them: Palin Syrah, which comes way to close a certain governor from the state of Alaska!

And in the Republican stronghold of Texas, a store, once had cases stacked 20 high, but now only 74 bottles remain… (Source: Foxnews.com)

Advertising of alcoholic beverages could soon appear on the Web. Despite strong opposition from anti-alcohol organisations, the French Minister of Health has accepted in view of the development of new technologies, that Internet becomes a vehicle for drinks advertising. “The promotion of alcoholic beverages must bear clearly visible health warnings that are adapted to Internet and should respect the principle of neutrality required by the ‘Evin’ law”, added the Minister, Roselyne Bachelot. (Source: Le Figaro)

“We need to show young people that quality has more to offer in terms of enjoyment and excitement than quantity,” says Jean-Robert Pitte, President of the French Mission for Food Heritage and Cultures. (Source: La Revue du Vin de France)

"A product that has been banned, condemned in its own original country, cannot succeed in the long term as an export. Can’t it be understood that talking about wine is not encouraging people to abuse alcohol? Surely, those who condemn it can try to understand and give us a chance to prove our point?”

Jean-Marie Chadronnier, former MD of wine merchants CVBG and Bordeaux winegrower. (Source: Le Point)

Diageo, one of the leading wine and spirits company, is launching an innovative website designed to promote responsible drinking worldwide. The website, DRINKIQ.com, is a global resource for all interested parties to share programs and tools designed to fight alcohol misuse and help individuals make responsible choices about drinking. (Source: Diageo)

The French wine sector has accused the French government of ‘legal injustice’ over the banning of alcohol promotion on the Internet. Wine producer unions from across the country have written a strong letter of protest to the government. The letter accuses the Ministers of Health and Agriculture of taking no decision regarding ‘this catastrophic legal deadlock’. (Wine Business International.com)