Beer marketing issues at the interface of food law, tax law and consumer laws

What makes beer, “beer”? Products sold as beer must meet separate definitions under Australia’s food and taxation frameworks. Marketers must also consider regulatory risks under the broad consumer protection requirements. This article compares differences and similarities between the various definitions, and what this means for manufacturers and marketers of beer products and other alcoholic beverages containing beer. We also consider the impact of a further new guidance from the Australian Taxation Office on the definition of beer.