‘Champagne’ perfume deemed offensive

A Victoria’s Secret perfume called “Strawberries and Champagne” has been removed from shelves after Qatari authorities deemed it offensive.

The Victoria’s Secret Strawberries and Champagne range

The perfume was one of a number of products in the “Strawberries and Champagne” range to be removed from the Victoria’s Secret lingerie store in the Landmark Mall in Doha.

The economy and commerce ministry said on via Twitter that the products went against the “customs, traditions and religious values” of Qatar, as reported by Doha News.

It is believed the products’ reference to Champagne sparked a complaint in the deeply conservative country which restricts the sale of alcohol to a handful of hotels and bars. Ex-pats can only buy alcohol if they have an official license and earn a certain amount of money.

In 2013, the Ministry of Environment announced strict regulations on the sale and import of alcohol-based perfumes “in the interest of public health” and prevent the misuse of alcohol.

A number of rulings were issued which included ensuring all perfumes were sold with a spray nozzle and a warning advising users it is for “external use only” in English and Arabic.