The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has obtained orders in the Federal Court, Hobart restraining Tasmania Distillery Pty Ltd from making certain misrepresentations concerning the maker, the origin of the ingredients, and the place and method of manufacture of four of the bottled spirit products it sells.
The Court has ordered the company to publish corrective advertising and provide refunds to consumers. This is the first occasion the ACCC has taken legal action concerning alleged misrepresentations as to a regional place of origin.
ACCC Chairman Professor Allan Fels said today that the ACCC's action was important to protect not only the interests of consumers but also other small business operators in Tasmania who may be unfairly disadvantaged.
In proceedings instituted by the ACCC against the company and its managing director, Robert Hosken, the ACCC alleged that Tasmania Distillery had variously misrepresented that is Sullivans Cove Premium Whisky (a blended Scotch whisky), Classic Tasmanian Mt Wellington Gin, Tasmanian Virgin Vodka, and Red Coats Premium Brandy were made or distilled by Tasmania Distillery, that their origin was Tasmania, and were distilled using an Alambic Charentais triple distillation pot still process. The ACCC alleged that the bottled whisky product was sourced from Scotland, and the other products were sourced from producers interstate.
Further information Professor Allan Fels, Chairman, (06) 264 2808 or pager (016) 373 536 Ms Lin Enright, Director, Public Relations, (06) 264 2808
The Court has ordered the company to publish corrective advertising and provide refunds to consumers. This is the first occasion the ACCC has taken legal action concerning alleged misrepresentations as to a regional place of origin.
ACCC Chairman Professor Allan Fels said today that the ACCC's action was important to protect not only the interests of consumers but also other small business operators in Tasmania who may be unfairly disadvantaged.
In proceedings instituted by the ACCC against the company and its managing director, Robert Hosken, the ACCC alleged that Tasmania Distillery had variously misrepresented that is Sullivans Cove Premium Whisky (a blended Scotch whisky), Classic Tasmanian Mt Wellington Gin, Tasmanian Virgin Vodka, and Red Coats Premium Brandy were made or distilled by Tasmania Distillery, that their origin was Tasmania, and were distilled using an Alambic Charentais triple distillation pot still process. The ACCC alleged that the bottled whisky product was sourced from Scotland, and the other products were sourced from producers interstate.
Further information Professor Allan Fels, Chairman, (06) 264 2808 or pager (016) 373 536 Ms Lin Enright, Director, Public Relations, (06) 264 2808