A Guinness Easter Egg which contains alcohol has been criticised as it is being displayed alongside children’s eggs in supermarkets.
National charity Alcohol Action Ireland has claimed the marketing of the product could encourage children to start drinking.
Guinness first launched their dark chocolate Easter Eggs which contain 5% alcohol in 2019 alongside a Baileys Irish Cream salted caramel egg.
The placement of the alcoholic treats in with the non-alcoholic Easter Eggs, which are marketed towards children, has drawn criticism.
A spokesperson for Alcohol Action Ireland accused Guinness of ‘reaching out’ to children with its marketing. They said: “This is how future drinkers are enrolled.
“The alcohol industry is adept at attaching its products to all social occasions and this insidious reach towards children is deeply regrettable.”
However, Diageo, the company that owns the Guinness brand as well as numerous other household names in the alcoholic drinks industry, defended the product.
A Diageo insider said: “The eggs in question are produced under license – Guinness do not own, market or sell the product.”
She added: “Our licensed partners take every care with the products. They are clearly designed and positioned as an adult offering.”
The packaging also states: “This product is intended for purchase and enjoyment by people of legal purchase age for alcohol beverages.
“Please remember to drink Guinness responsibly.”
