Wine Law

LEGAL PROTECTION OF THE CONSUMER OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES 261 c) beverages from subheadings no. 2206.00.93.0 and no. 2206.00.99.0 of the Combined Nomenclature of the current Customs Tariff and made from grapes (0.5%by volume); d) beers with an alcoholic strength above 5.5%; e) beverages of subheading no. 2206.00.91.0, of the Combined Nomenclature of the current Customs Tariff and made from grapes, cider, pear cider and other similar fermented beverages from fruits other than grapes, possibly carbonated or sparkling, and fermented honey-based drinks (1% by volume); and f) beverages containing fruit or parts of macerated plants (1.5% by volume). III.3. Labelling and presentation Similarly, regarding the labelling and presentation of alcoholic beverage containers, it will be necessary to comply with Royal Decree 1334/1999, of 31 July, which approves the general regulation of labelling, presentation and advertising of food products, article 9 of which refers to the alcoholic strength. Thus, beverages with an alcoholic strength above 1.2% in volume must indicate the alcoholic strength by volume acquired. The figure corresponding to the alcoholic strength will include a maximum of one decimal place and will be followed by the symbol “% vol” and may be preceded by the word “alcohol” or its abbreviation “alc”. The modalities for specifying the alcoholic strength in volume will be determined, with respect to the products corresponding to tariff heading no. 22.04, by the mandatory rules of the European Community or the Spanish legal system. IV. CONCLUSIONS From all of the above, it is necessary to conclude that the consumer of alcoholic beverages is at a crossroads between the personal freedom to acquire such goods and the limitations that the legal system imposes for public health reasons. Even so, and despite such limitations – which fundamentally affect minors, sports events, public health, road safety and advertising –, as a consumer, those who choose alcoholic beverages, have rights by which the system must inexcusably watch over. Consequently, it is assisted by the rights contemplated by European and national legislation, precisely and even more so because they affect their individual health, which can be seriously damaged in the event of a fraudulent composition of the alcoholic beverage. In this sense, and although the authorities