Claims boozy ice block owner frozen out in state ban
The owner of a boozy ice block brand claims the state government failed to tell him about a new ban that he is labelling “absolutely ridiculous”.
Boozicles owner Liam Corbin claims he was left in the dark about a decision to temporarily ban the alcoholic ice block brand in South Australia, saying he only found out about the news over the weekend despite the ban having been in place since the beginning of July.
Corbin said he learnt about the ban after festival operator goodbars contacted Boozicles on Saturday, saying management was having trouble with its licensing due to the product that is sold at its events being prohibited.
“Unfortunately, in this situation, I have not had any correspondence from the minister or his team whatsoever in South Australia,” the Queensland-based business owner claimed, adding that: “I’m very disappointed”.
“As it currently stands, we’re firmly of the opinion that, especially in South Australia, where there’s actually no retail bottle shops that sell this product, that it’s absolutely ridiculous,” he said.
“I’d be very disappointed if South Australia were to continue through with that – I’ve got $30,000 to $40,000 worth of sponsorship money that we’ve got going through events that go towards tourism, employing people in your state.”
Corbin said he emailed the minister’s office immediately on Saturday and called yesterday, saying he was told by staff someone would try to call him back in the next few days.
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“We have gone through court with ABAC and Retail Drinks Australia already with this so I am somewhat dumbfounded as to how this has occurred especially considering we hold valid licences to sell throughout Australia,” he wrote in an email to Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Michael Brown.
However, Consumer and Business Services in SA has countered the claim, saying Boozicles was emailed to advise them of the decision.
“Once the temporary ban was gazetted, the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner emailed the company to advise them of the decision,” a spokesperson for the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner said.
“While no direct response has been received, the business has contacted the Minister’s office yesterday to say they did not receive this correspondence.
“As a result, CBS will be contacting them directly to discuss the matter, and will be taking additional steps to confirm any further correspondence with them is received.
“The views of the business – and other key stakeholders – will be sought before any final decision is made.”
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It comes after Boozicles was banned for 42 days at the beginning of July due to concerns the product could appeal to minors due to its similarity to popular canteen treat Zooper Doopers.
“While it is perfectly fine for adults to enjoy alcoholic products in moderation, I think the way this product has been designed is concerning,” Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Michael Brown said when announcing the ban.
“Designing packaging to mimic that of Zooper Dooper and using flavour names inspired by childhood favourites … is clearly something that could appeal to minors – or could even be inadvertently consumed by children, if found in the freezer.”
The temporary ban makes the manufacture, sale or supply of Boozicles illegal in South Australia while authorities decide whether to ban the product permanently.
The Liquor and Licensing Act gives the Minister the power to issue temporary bans on liquor products to allow for consultation and drafting laws for a permanent ban if there is concern that it would appeal to minors or be confused with non-alcoholic products.
Corbin took issue with the Minister’s reasoning when banning the product, saying the name Boozicles made it clear the product was alcoholic and that “the last thing we want to do is contribute to generation drinking in Australia”.
He also said the product was only available at licensed premises and events where patrons had to be aged over 18 to enter, while also labelling the packaging argument “ludicrous”.
“When they refer to the packaging, well, then you could fall back on saying that every single form of alcoholic packaging in Australia technically appeals to children, like some soft drinks come in cans and so does almost every RTD beverage,” he said.
“So, as far as we’re concerned, we’re trying as much as we can to not appeal to children, whilst bringing back a nostalgic Aussie feeling to an old Aussie treat.”
Corbin said he was open to working with the government to find a mutually agreeable solution, but that if the ban becomes permanent, he would pursue the matter in court.
Each 150-millilitre ice block has an alcohol by volume percentage of 8.7 per cent, making it equivalent to one standard drink.
The Boozicles website describes the product as “equal parts refreshment and buzz”, adding that they “are the perfect sesh sidekick”.
Before the ban, it was available at the Prince Albert Hotel, NYX Bar & Lounge, Cherry and at music festivals in South Australia.
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