Vodka in Skull Bottle Faces Ban

A premium vodka sold in a bottle shaped like a skull has been banned from sale in Ontario, Canada, where officials are concerned that the packaging could appeal to children, the Toronto Globe and Mail reported May 18.

Crystal Head Vodka, created by Canadian actor Dan Akyroyd, was rejected by the Liquor Control Board of Ontario — a semipublic entity with limited regulatory powers and a monopoly on retail liquor sales in Ontario.

Aykroyd professed to be unconcerned about the decision. “I like it, it kind of makes the product more appealing in my view,” he said. “This is a decision that’s been made reflecting the appeal of the product, because the board is rightly concerned that underage drinkers may go to illegitimate means to obtain a bottle of Crystal Head, maybe steal it or whatever.”

Launched in North America about a year ago, Crystal Head has sold about 1 million bottles, racking up $40-50 million in sales. The vodka — and its skull bottle — have been approved for sale in the U.S.