ETRC acts on bottle size proposals

Gavin Lipsith

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New proposals restricting the number of bottle sizes liquor and wine suppliers can produce could have a severe impact in travel-retail outlets

The regulations are based on a European directive passed in 1972 that restricts bottles to seven sizes between100ml and 1.5l. The old directive contained an exemption for travel-retail outlets, but in the updated proposal no mention is made of special treatment for the market.

"When we consulted with retailers it quickly became apparent that this would be a big problem," said ETRC secretary-general Keith Spinks. "ETRC is lobbying the Commission and the European parliament, where the internal market committee is currently considering the directive. We have the support of the European parliament committee rapporteur charged with preparing the report, and we are hopeful that duty-free sales will be excluded from the proposal."

The directive has caused concern in Cyprus, where Customs authorities have already told duty-free retailers they have to remove pack sizes not included in the text from their shelves. But after contacting the ETRC, retailers were able to tell officials that the directive had not yet been passed into law.