Pernod Ricard China has been fined RMB 160,000 (about $25,000) after the Chinese government said advertising by Pernod’s Martell brand violated Chinese advertising laws.

The popular Cognac brand  Martell announced a promotional video featuring a Cognac drinking scene on its WeChat . The video was included in a WeChat promotion post on the launch of the brand’s Dame-Jeanne collection in China earlier this year.

Pernod was accused by Shanghai authorities of breaching advertising laws, as the clip included a scene showing alcohol consumption, which violated local regulations.

In addition to paying the fine, the company were also instructed to take down the video from their WeChat account.

According to Chinese advertising laws, alcohol-related products are not permitted to promote drinking, showcase the act of drinking, or show activities such as operating cars, boats or aircrafts. They are also banned from implying that alcohol relieves stress or anxiety.

In 2020, Pernod Ricard was fined RMB 300,000 (about $47,000) by Shanghai authorities for a separate alcohol-related advertising violation.