Henry Bowman
Senior Member
Link to story.
Kalashnikov Vodka Co backs down in stand-off over its brand name
Simon Bowers
Friday February 18, 2005
The Guardian
The makers of Kalashnikov vodka agreed yesterday to change the brand name in Britain under pressure from the Portman Group, the body set up by the drinks industry to promote responsible drinking.
The campaign group had criticised Kalashnikov Joint Stock Vodka Co for evoking the AK-47 assault rifle, one of the most widely used firearms in the world.
"This indirectly suggests an association with violent and dangerous behaviour," it said, breaching its code on drinks promotions.
A Kalashnikov spokeswoman said: "This is a funky and in-your-face brand, but we don't agree it causes people to take up armed conflict.
"We'll be working with the Portman Group because we have to. Our vodka will probably continue to be called Kalashnikov around the world but not in the UK."
The brand was launched in Britain last September by Lieutenant General Mikhail Kalashnikov, the inventor of the rifle.
At the time, he said he wanted to continue the "good name" of his gun.
Kalashnikov Vodka Co backs down in stand-off over its brand name
Simon Bowers
Friday February 18, 2005
The Guardian
The makers of Kalashnikov vodka agreed yesterday to change the brand name in Britain under pressure from the Portman Group, the body set up by the drinks industry to promote responsible drinking.
The campaign group had criticised Kalashnikov Joint Stock Vodka Co for evoking the AK-47 assault rifle, one of the most widely used firearms in the world.
"This indirectly suggests an association with violent and dangerous behaviour," it said, breaching its code on drinks promotions.
A Kalashnikov spokeswoman said: "This is a funky and in-your-face brand, but we don't agree it causes people to take up armed conflict.
"We'll be working with the Portman Group because we have to. Our vodka will probably continue to be called Kalashnikov around the world but not in the UK."
The brand was launched in Britain last September by Lieutenant General Mikhail Kalashnikov, the inventor of the rifle.
At the time, he said he wanted to continue the "good name" of his gun.