Alcohol in tetra packs may make you think you are drinking a normal cold drink because there is no clear information or highlight stating that the pack contains alcohol. Noticing this issue, an NGO filed a complaint, and the Supreme Court of India has directed government bodies to regulate it.
This issue was brought to light by the NGO Community Against Drunken Driving. The NGO noticed that a beverage company was selling alcohol in simple packaging like tetra packs and small sachets that look similar to juice or soft drink packs, with no proper warning or clear information. Because of this, the NGO filed a petition in the Supreme Court over the matter.
According to the petition filed by the NGO, these packs can make it easier for children or underage people to get alcohol by mistake and also allow people to carry or drink alcohol in public places or vehicles without being easily noticed.
The petition also said that some alcohol products use fruit names, colorful designs, and fruit images on the packaging, making them look similar to harmless drinks. This can create confusion among consumers.
The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the sale of alcohol in such packaging. The Court said this type of packaging can be very deceptive because it may confuse people and make alcohol look like a normal beverage. The Supreme Court took the matter seriously.
A bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, heard the matter seriously.
‘This is very deceptive. Notice issued,’ CJI Kant remarked.
The Court took notice after Advocate Vipin Nair, appearing for the petitioners, argued that there was no warning on such products.
‘Unlike tobacco, there is no warning. These packs are fruit juices but have vodka with pictures of apples. Chilli mango vodka etc,’ Nair said.
In the end, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Central Government along with state excise departments to respond to the concerns raised in the petition. The Court stated that the case will be heard further after the authorities submit their replies.
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