French Parliament Approves Tax on Explosive Alcoholic Energy Drinks – ‘Vody’ Targeted in Crackdown
PARIS, FRANCE – November 10, 2025 – In a move hailed by health advocates and fiercely debated by industry watchers, the French National Assembly has voted to impose a new tax on alcoholic energy drinks, with the controversial ‘Vody’ brand – a vodka and energy drink mix – specifically named in the legislation. This breaking news comes as concerns mount over the rising popularity of these potent beverages, particularly among young people, and the dangerous trends they fuel. This is a significant development in alcohol regulation, and we’re following it closely for Google News indexing and SEO optimization.
Cans of the Vody brand, an alcoholic energy drink, in a Parisian supermarket. (LEO VIGNAL / AFP)
The ‘Vody’ Scourge: A Cocktail of Concerns
The amendment, passed during the first reading of the draft Social Security budget, aims to address what lawmakers are calling a “scourge” – the combination of alcohol and stimulants in readily available, brightly packaged drinks. ‘Vody,’ produced by Cody’s Drinks, has become a focal point of the debate due to its unusually high alcohol content, ranging from 18% to 22% in a 25cl can – significantly higher than typical alcoholic beverages. This potent mix, combined with caffeine, taurine, and sugar, creates a dangerous cocktail that masks the effects of alcohol and encourages rapid consumption.
The dangers aren’t theoretical. A viral social media challenge, dubbed the ‘Vody Challenge,’ recently saw participants ending up in emergency rooms after falling into alcoholic comas. Despite warnings on the label advising against consuming more than two cans daily, the drink’s sweet taste and energy-boosting ingredients make overconsumption alarmingly easy.
Misleading Marketing and a Regulatory Gap
Beyond the drink’s composition, concerns center on its marketing tactics. Associations fighting addiction point to “aggressive” marketing strategies that specifically target young people. The packaging, often featuring vibrant colors and imagery reminiscent of soda cans, deliberately obscures the drink’s alcoholic nature. “With vitamin-packed packaging, in green, yellow or orange colors, (…) one might believe it to be an ordinary can of soda,” laments France Assos Santé.
The issue also highlights a gap in existing regulations. Currently, these drinks have been escaping a tax levied on “premixes” – mixtures of alcohol and sweetened non-alcoholic drinks. The new amendment seeks to close this loophole by extending the tax to beverages containing stimulating substances like caffeine and taurine. A decree will soon specify the exact list of substances covered, allowing for adaptability as producers potentially alter their formulas.
Investigation and International Collaboration
The French authorities aren’t alone in their scrutiny of ‘Vody.’ The Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) launched an investigation in May, focusing on the drink’s labeling. The investigation, conducted in collaboration with German authorities (where ‘Vody’ is produced), found that the drink is incorrectly labeled as an “Energy Drink” when its alcohol content (exceeding 15%) legally classifies it as a “spirit drink.”
A Broader Trend and Future Implications
This isn’t just about ‘Vody.’ The rise of alcoholic energy drinks represents a broader trend of manufacturers finding new ways to appeal to consumers, often at the expense of public health. The French government’s response signals a growing awareness of the need for stricter regulation in this evolving landscape. Experts suggest this could pave the way for similar measures in other European countries and beyond. The debate also underscores the importance of educating young people about the risks associated with mixing alcohol and energy drinks, and the need for responsible marketing practices.
The passage of this tax is a crucial first step, but ongoing vigilance and adaptation will be essential to protect public health in the face of increasingly innovative – and potentially dangerous – alcoholic beverages. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and in-depth analysis of the evolving world of alcohol regulation.
