Guidelines Issued for ‘Malternative’ Drinks

Federal regulators will forbid makers of certain flavored malt beverages from labeling and advertising them as containing liquor, in an effort to clear up confusion from consumers, state regulators and tax authorities.

The action by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms is aimed at the fast-growing market for “malternative” drinks. Like beer, these products have a malt base, but they are usually clear and flavored.

Miller Brewing Co.’s Skyy Blue and Bacardi Silver are examples of products that would need to change their labeling to comply, an ATF spokesman said. Miller is a unit of Philip Morris Cos.