EU Court Says Non Alcoholic Drinks Cannot Be Sold as Gin

The European Court of Justice has ruled that non alcoholic beverages cannot use the name gin. The decision followed a case involving a product called Virgin Gin Alkoholfrei, which used the word gin even though it contained no alcohol.

According to EU regulations, gin must be made by flavouring ethyl alcohol with juniper berries and must contain at least 37 point 5 percent alcohol. Because alcohol free drinks do not meet these requirements, they cannot legally use the name.

The court stated that adding words like non alcoholic does not change the protected status of the term gin. The ruling aims to prevent consumer confusion and ensure fair competition among genuine gin producers.

For alcohol free brands, this means rebranding and adopting new terms such as juniper botanical drink or alcohol free juniper blend. For consumers, the change provides clearer labeling and avoids misunderstanding at the shelf.