Dragon Soop Blue Raspberry Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverage (8 x 500ml Cans)

Product Information

The company stated that NIADA could not claim to have knowledge of what ‘most young people’ did, as its day-to-day work and research was conducted with a very specific group of young people, all of whom had serious alcohol or substance abuse issues. The company explained that this research group could not in any way be seen to be representative of the population as a whole. The company argued that any extrapolations about the behaviour and attitudes of the wider population based on research carried out solely with this group would be skewed, misleading and far from impartial. Sour Apple, Blue Raspberry, Lemon Sherbet, Red Kola, Tropical Fruit Punch and New Venom. Sound refreshing? These are just some flavours of Dragon Soop. And what a cool name! Fortified with schnapps, it comes in flavours including fruit punch, sour apple, blue raspberry, sherbet, cola, and ­strawberry and lime.

The company noted the Panel’s rationale that Dragon Soop Venom was significantly different to the rest of the Dragon Soop range as it considered that Venom did not indicate its flavour and was marketed mainly on the danger and intimidation associated with venom, alongside the aggressive snake imagery. The company also noted the Panel’s point that Dragon Soop Venom had a clear association with poison, which implied that the drink was dangerous to consume and therefore required bravado to do so. The Panel then considered the company’s claim that snakes were not aggressive animals. The Panel noted that the company had provided images of various brands which featured snakes and agreed that snakes were not always aggressive, but that the snake depicted on Dragon Soop Venom was in a clear striking pose with fangs bared. The Panel therefore remained of the view, that in this particular context, the snake depicted was aggressive. The Panel also considered that in comparison to other products from the Dragon Soop range, which the Panel had previously considered and not upheld under any section of the Code, Dragon Soop Venom had a different appearance. The Panel considered that, as pointed out by the company, the other products in the Dragon Soop range also included the flavour variant multiple times around the top of the can. However, the Panel considered that this presentation of the word ‘venom’, alongside the aggressive snake with its fangs bared, created an association with bravado. Moderate - On your feet for much of the day, either standing or occasional slow paced walking. Typical jobs: shop assistant, teacher, chef/cook, bar worker, engineer. At NIADA we have serious concerns about these high caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, especially Dragon Soop, as so many young people are consuming this drink usually in large quantities. Our focus group concluded that while young people drink the cans, they also mix them with other substances. One 16-year-old female reported ‘they are sweet and fruity flavours they can be mixed with vodka’.In the complaint headed paragraph ‘strength’, the company stated that NIADA had cited an unsubstantiated figure to make a subjective and misleading statement where it read “One day of drinking 3 and a half cans exceeds this limit for adults.” The company said that the statement did not withstand rigorous scrutiny. The company explained that the same assertion could be used for any alcoholic drink which was abused by people with alcohol or substance abuse difficulties. The company highlighted that NIADA had not presented any evidence that people abused Dragon Soop more than they would abuse vodka, cider, wine or any other alcoholic beverage. The company stated that this information could not be relied upon, nor was indicative of the wider market, since the participants in the sample group were unable to limit their intake of alcohol. The company then examined the second paragraph under the heading entitled ‘strength’ which stated that “the high caffeine intake along with the high alcohol intake masks the effect of drunkenness”, which the company stated NIADA had not provided proof of. The company stated that the formulation did not break any of the Portman Group’s rules and that the Portman Group must agree with this because according to an SHS Drinks’ press statement, the Advisory Service had been consulted by the company prior to the launch of WKD X, which was a drink that closely mirrored Dragon Soop, and was destined for major grocery outlets in May 2022.

NIADA continue to have concerns over the promotion of caffeinated alcoholic drinks particularly for younger users where the risk of the caffeine masking the effects of the alcohol may lead to increased health harms and disinhibited risky behaviours.” Light - Have a job that involves long periods of sitting (office-based / driving) or are home-based and sitting for much of the day. Typical jobs: office worker, sales rep, bus/taxi/lorry driver.Alcohol brings harm to a bigger population of young people. And novelty branded drinks such as Dragon Soop are accessible and increasing in popularity. Under 18s have little trouble getting hold of their favourite Lemon Sherbet or Red Kola from that older pal who can legally buy it in the local corner shop. My message is clear when I’m supporting young people: Dragon Soop isn’t a safe drink for teenagers, and they are best to avoid it. I explain the science when I can, such as possible side effects on heart function and the impact on the still-developing brain, or I discuss things like risk of alcohol poisoning and drinking limits. The Panel sought to remind the producer that existing drink names in the on-trade did not constitute compliance with the Portman Group’s Code of Practice, as had most recently been demonstrated in the case against Porn Star Martini. The Panel also noted that its considerations could only be in relation to Dragon Soop Venom, as the product subject to complaint, and that it was outside of the Portman Group’s regulatory remit to regulate wholly retailer-led marketing activities. Firstly, the company highlighted that NIADA had stated that it wished to submit “a complaint about caffeinated alcoholic drinks”, but that the organisation had only singled out Dragon Soop from a group of other caffeinated alcoholic drinks. The company stated that the organisation had done this based on the unscientific basis that Dragon Soop is what NIADA called “the more popular drink of choice.” Offshore Island deliveries will take longer than two days including Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Scottish Highlands and Islands and Scilly Isles. Commenting on the decision, the Chair of the Independent Complaints Panel, Nicola Williams, said: “Whilst creativity and brands expressing their identities through their products is to be encouraged, care must be taken to avoid associating alcohol with bravado or suggesting a consumer must be daring to drink it.

Alcohol can cause abnormal heart rhythms in the body, high blood pressure and can damage the heart muscle and cause other diseases such as strokes, liver problems and some cancers. Alcohol is also high in calories and can lead to weight gain and health-related issues in that sense (British Heart Foundation). Caffeine in large amounts can also have effects on the body and health, such as increased breathing and heart rate as well as increased mental activity and physical energy. The body can also become dependent on caffeine physically and psychologically and then feel withdrawal symptoms from it (Better Health Channel). Hence, excess levels of both can have adverse effects on health, especially young people.When considering all these elements in combination, the Panel concluded that the name venom, in this particular context, and its presentation, in combination with the aggressive snake imagery, gave the overall impression that the product was marketed mainly on the danger associated with venom, and therefore required bravado to drink it. As an alliance, we have concerns around the drink ‘Dragon Soop’ and those similar. We at NIADA believe that this drink breaches numerous rules stated in the code of conduct including the Alcoholic content, Strength, Appeal to under 18s, Popularity, Anti-social behaviour and Sexual Success. Dragon Soop and other high caffeinated drinks such as ‘Screaming Devil’ and ‘Four Loko’ all raise our concerns as they have such high content of alcohol as well as caffeine and are heavily popularised and consumed by young people. Following a number of focus groups and consultations with young people we believe Dragon Soop to be the more popular drink of choice, so wish to move forward with an official complaint. The company explained that, taken in conjunction with the well-known flavour of the product, it was reasonable to use the image of a snake, albeit one that took up a small part of the overall area of the can. The company stated that it was natural for a brand to make such a pictorial association when creating the can design. The company pointed out that contrary to the Panel’s assessment, the use of a snake image should not be assumed to be indicative of aggression or evil. The company explained that a Google search of the term ‘snake symbolism in literature’ showed that it was a complex symbol and was one of the oldest and most widespread symbols used in mythology. The company further explained that snakes were a symbol of fertility, healing, guardianship, rebirth or renewal, alongside more negative symbolism.

The company explained that Dragon Soop Venom was responsibly marketed, well understood by its target market and that ‘venom’ was a known flavour to its young adult target market. The company asserted that the Panel’s provisional decision was subjective and based on mistaken assumptions. So what exactly is it ? It’s the latest in the range of novelty caffeinated alcohol beverages. It’s 8% ABV and contains high levels of caffeine (35mg per 100ml) and loads of sugar! Oh, it’s also blended with taurine and guarana to make it sound good for you. It’s difficult to argue that the eye-catching graphics and clever branding are not targeted for teenagers. Basically an ‘energy drink’ laced with booze.The company then explained that Dragon Soop Venom had similar dominant flavour notes to its on-trade namesake which included orange, other fruit hints and a touch of the rich, round caramel associated with Bourbon. The company then stated that its support of the Portman Group’s Code had been demonstrated by its history of cooperating with the Portman Group over many years. We are satisfied with the response to this concern and look forward to any amendments made to the marketing of the brand as a result.