Australia Bans Sale of ‘The Simpsons’ Duff Beer

Woolworths has been forced to can the famous Duff beer from the animated series “The Simpsons” from its shelves after it was found in breach of the Australian alcohol advertising code of the country.

Just in May, Woolworths Liquor Group started stocking the replica of the alcoholic brew through its Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores.

However, the Alcohol Policy Coalition complained about the fictional beer to the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code adjudication panel in June, claiming that Duff beer is very popular with children and adolescents, and therefore might draw their attention to it.

“The association of The Simpsons with the product name and packaging is so strongly entrenched in Australian popular culture that the name and packaging will draw the attention of under 18 year olds,” the panel wrote on its decision on Tuesday.

It also noted that the South Australian Brewing Company and Lion Nathan Australia had launched and promoted a beer named Duff in 1995. The brew, which did not use any Simpsons characters or the famous Duff beer design, was not sanctioned or licensed by 20th Century Fox, which owns the intellectual property of “The Simpsons” merchandise.

Fox successfully sued, and the Duff beer was removed from shelves.

The Woolworths’ Duff beer was officially licensed by 20th Century Fox and had received ABAC approval for Duff advertisements in March before it was launched, according to a spokeswoman.

Nevertheless, Woolworths accepts the panel’s decision and will discontinue the stock. It is allowed to sell the stock that it currently has, though, so Duff beers can still be purchased until supplies last.

Duff beers are sold at Dan Murphy’s and BWS from $17 for a six-pack and $45 for a case.