Leaked French wine law proposals to treat alcohol like porn
July 24, 2008
Sophie Kevany, and Oliver Styles
Details of proposed new laws that put alcohol on the same level as pornography, and would effectively ban wine on the internet in France, were leaked to members of the press yesterday.
The document, which suggests that wine and alcohol sites be authorised but limited to certain hours – similar to pornographic sites, has been described as 'disastrous' by members of the wine sector.
Furthermore, proposals offered by the government workgroup said that wine advertising could only be limited to producer websites, essentially blocking all third-party publicity.
'The proposition forbids [wine] promotion on the web,' said Delphine Blanc of Vin et Sociétié, one of few groups lobbying for the internet to be legalised as a medium for alcohol publicity. 'It authorizes sites, during certain hours, and publicity on those sites, but forbids any [outside] publicity about those sites so they are dead.'
The workgroup, headed by public law specialist Professor Antoine Louvaris, says the proposals are aimed at protecting minors.
Blanc, however, said that it was inacceptable that a government-appointed group, of which Vin et Sociétié is a member, had met only once. The group is charged with drawing up new clauses pertaining to the strict Evin law of 1991 which regulates alcohol and tobacco advertising.
'The text we have seen is not what we were hoping for,' said Blanc.
Damien Bonnabel of blog and search engine site, Findawine.com, said the people involved in drawing up the law had little knowledge of the internet.
'We are really very worried about these proposals,' he said. 'They suggest the people who are drafting them are totally ignorant about the realities of the web.'
Bonnabel also said the issue of legalising wine on the web was aggravated by the disorganised response of the wine sector – in contrast to the efficient anti-alcohol lobby.
Bonnabel has formed an association called Vin et Internet (Wine and Web) to protest against the proposed measure. The group is proposing alternative web laws, which include the prohibition of alcohol publicity on sports and youth-oriented sites.
The French government has refused to issue a statement, saying it 'will not comment on a work in progress'.
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I find the whole thing bizarre really, what planet is the French government on? This could be another nail in the coffin of cash-strapped wine producers who're trying to find new ways of promoting themselves (responsibly) and increasing income. As well as new wine tourism and travel sites or just good old-fashioned editorial. I had considered making my website available in French as well but will now just stick to English!
Richard James, France
I agree totally with Richard James on this article. The French government appears to be in a blue funk about the internet. Not only the government but the whole administration and civil service sector as well. I wonder what they think they are going to gain in the long run. It is all a hiding to nothing. I think it is a shame to think that writers of tourism, travel sites and good old-fashioned editorial are not going to consider making their websites in French. I wonder what the French government could do about it if they did. If the site is based outside France, does the French government have so much control over it? I don't think so. I would love to be wrong and find out that the government did, in fact, understand the internet.
I don't think so!
AmandasWines, Domaine du Prieuré, Valaire, France
It's only a logical extension of existing French legislation. Around fifty years ago, a law was passed forbidding flying saucers from space landing in certain vineyards. The new law would extend the requirements to cyber-space.
Simon Woods
Considering that no national barriers have been successful in curbing pornography on the internet presumably the same will apply to wine on the internet. Heads-in-sand time obviously.
Phil Styles, St.Gaudent, France
Hey guys, Maybe all this is happening because its called the internet and not minitel...
Dean Stergides
Welcome to Prohibition!
Bernard Portet
I've had an orgasmic wine, but I don't think that qualifies it as "porn".
Carolyn Manning
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I find the whole thing bizarre really, what planet is the French government on? This could be another nail in the coffin of cash-strapped wine producers who're trying to find new ways of promoting themselves (responsibly) and increasing income. As well as new wine tourism and travel sites or just good old-fashioned editorial. I had considered making my website available in French as well but will now just stick to English!
