Margot Robbie is taking a huge business hit in the crowded celebrity drinks market
RadarOnline.com can reveal that Margot Robbie has suffered an unexpected setback in her bid to enter the celebrity drinks market after British bars refused to stock her gin over fears it could cause shellfish allergies.
The 35 year old Barbie star launched Papa Salt gin in Australia in 2023 before expanding to Britain in 2024, positioning the premium spirit as a coastal-inspired product linked to her upbringing.
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Papa Salt faces backlash over shellfish allergen
Robbie has suffered an unexpected setback as British bars refuse to stock her gin.
Created with her husband, Tom Ackerley, and three friends, the gin features botanicals, including oyster shells, to evoke a beachside flavor profile.
But several locations have refused to serve it, citing concerns that even trace elements from molluscs could pose a serious health risk to customers.
Robbie said at the time of the launch: “Our love of gin was born in London’s pubs and bars. Even when you go to great bars you think, ‘You have Hendrick’s? Really, not even Hendrick’s? That’s crazy.’
“So we were like, ‘Let’s make 10,000 bottles and just serve them at our parties.'”
Her comments have resurfaced as the brand faces resistance in an already crowded, celebrity-backed drinks sector.
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‘Bars don’t want to take the risk’
Venues have objected to the product over fears it could cause shellfish allergies.
A London-based bar owner said: “We already have to manage a long list of dietary requirements and allergy protocols every day, and that mainly concerns food.
“Introducing a spirit that potentially carries risks associated with shellfish just adds an extra layer of responsibility that most venues don’t have or aren’t willing to shoulder. It’s not simply a matter of pouring a drink – it would mean training staff to ask the right questions, double-check ingredients and handle issues on the spot. For many of us, that’s an unnecessary complication when there are plenty of other products that don’t come with that kind of baggage.”
Another hospitality source said the issue has caused hesitation in the industry, especially given strict allergy rules.
“Even the suggestion that it contains shellfish raises red flags,” the source said. “Bars don’t want to take the risk, especially when there are so many alternative products available without that complication.”
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Margot Robbie on drink: ‘We wanted to share it with the world’
The 35-year-old actress launched Papa Salt with her husband and three friends.
Industry analysts say the challenge highlights how difficult it is to break into an oversaturated market dominated by big-name brands.
“There is a flow of high-profile spirits backed by actors and musicians,” said one drinks consultant. “To differentiate themselves, brands often choose unusual ingredients or stories, but this can be counterproductive if it poses potential risks.”
Robbie has previously spoken about the personal significance of the venture, describing it as a creative collaboration rooted in friendship and shared experiences.
She said: “I’ve had so much success and so much fun making things I love with my friends – our production company, LuckyChap, is a shining example of that.
“Papa Salt was a new opportunity to do that. It took us five years to create Papa Salt, and for the first few years we weren’t sure if we would even sell it to the public – for that very reason. Ultimately, the five of us were so incredibly proud of what we created that we wanted to share it with the world.”
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The company confirmed the decision to remove oyster shells from the botanical mix.
Retailers including Waitrose, Tesco and Harvey Nichols have continued to stock the gin with allergy warnings, but its rollout into bars – a key market for premium spirits – has been slower than expected.
A UK distributor familiar with the rollout said: “There is certainly interest due to Margot’s profile, but venues are being cautious. The allergy angle has made it a more complicated sell than expected.”
In response to the concerns, the company behind Papa Salt has confirmed that it is reformulating the product.
A statement said: “In 2025, Papa Salt made the decision to completely remove oyster shell from the botanical mix, initially in the Australian market, and that transition is expected to be completed in the UK before the end of this year.”
A source close to the brand said the measure is aimed at reassuring both venues and consumers.
“They are not revealing the identity of the gin,” the insider said. “But they recognize that to compete in this space, accessibility and safety are just as important as storytelling.”
