News

Scottish brewer BrewDog has halted its legal action against the Portman Group following comments made by the alcohol regulator's chief executive David Poley about the company's Speedball beer.

The company told Packaging News that it remained angry over the allegations made by the regulator but had decided to move forward.

James Watt, managing director of BrewDog, said: "Legal action would have been quite detrimental to us because it would have been very time consuming at a time when we have a lot ongoing, including a major new product launch at the end of this month and expanding to the pub and on trade sector across the UK. It could have gone on for months and we just want to get on with things now.

"But the accusation that was levelled at us was a ridiculous allegation to make. To say we are profiteering from drugs is just insane. We make edgy, innovative beer that is completely legal."

The brewer had won public support from Top Gear star James May on the BBC's Oz and James Drink to Britain at the end of January.

David Poley, Portman Group chief executive, said: "Marketing alcohol on the theme with illegal drugs is completely indefensible. Therefore, any legal action by them would have been hotly contested by us. 

"We're pleased that the company has decided to concentrate on selling responsibly marketed products," he added.

BrewDog was founded in April 2007, key to its strategy was to promote its brand in a "fun, stylish way," with products like Speedball, Tokyo, Paradox, Rip Tide, Trashy Blonde and Punk IPA.