Vintners call for ban on potent shot drinks

SHOT drinks like Vodka Slammers, Sidekicks and Bug Reds should be banned to combat binge drinking, the Vintners’ Federation said yesterday.

Publicans said the drinks, which are normally “knocked back” in one go were encouraging young people to drink excessively.

“These drinks are packaged in a similar fashion to fizzy drinks and are targeted directly at young people. Sweet, fruit-based flavours conceal the high level of alcohol and, therefore, just how potent these drinks are,” said VFI president Joe Browne in his speech to the Federation’s annual conference.