Alcohol charities warn 99p shot ‘designed to appeal to children’

Jem Roberts: ‘Two of the biggest drivers of alcohol harm are cheap prices and heavy marketing. A 99p shot promoted as fun and shareable combines both.’ Photograph: Hot Sauce Presents/BuzzBallz

Alcohol charities have criticised a new 99p shot from the company behind BuzzBallz, warning its cheap price and heavy marketing are designed “to appeal to children”.

BuzzBallz, the brightly coloured ready-to-drink cocktails sold in spherical containers, have become popular with younger drinkers and on social media in recent years, particularly on TikTok where users post tasting videos and cocktail hacks featuring the brand.