Prohibited Content: Alcohol Age Gate

CRITICAL REJECTION

15%

Rejection Rate

1-2 hrs

Avg Fix Time

95%

Success Rate

Why This Rejection Happens

Alcohol marketing is permitted on 10DLC, but it is strictly regulated under the SHAFT policy. This rejection specifically means your website lacks a compliant Age Gate (21+) or your campaign attributes did not indicate "Age Gated Content".

Common Triggers:

Website has no age verification popup.
Popup only asks "Are you 18?" (Must be 21 for alcohol).
Popup is easily bypassed or just a footer link.
"Age Gated Content" attribute was unchecked in TCR registration.
Selling mixers/glassware but images show alcohol bottles without a gate.

Root Cause Analysis

Regulatory Framework: CTIA Short Code Monitoring Handbook v1.8 (Section 2.2); Federal Alcohol Administration Act.

Primary Triggers

The "Splash Page" Requirement: Carriers require that the age gate be the first thing a user sees. It must block access to the site content until age is confirmed.
Attribute Mismatch: Even if your site is perfect, if you forgot to check the "Age Gated Content" box in your TCR submission, the system will auto-reject you based on keywords like "wine," "beer," or "cocktail."

Compliant Age Gate Features

Feature	Requirement	Why?
Mechanism	Date of Birth Input (MM/DD/YYYY) OR strict "I am 21+" button.	Prevents minors from viewing prohibited content.
Blocking	Must cover entire screen (Overlay/Modal).	Cannot be ignored or scrolled past.
Failure Action	Redirect to Google or safe page if under 21.	Ensures compliance if user admits they are a minor.

Step-by-Step Remediation

Implement the Gate

Install an age verification plugin (if using WordPress, Shopify, etc.) or code a modal that loads immediately on your homepage. Set the age requirement to 21.

Update TCR Attributes

Log into your CSP portal. Edit the campaign. Locate the "Age Gated Content" attribute and ensure it is checked/enabled. Resubmit.

Attribute: [x] Age Gated Content
Status: Required for Alcohol.

Pre-Resubmission Checklist

My website has a 21+ Age Gate visible immediately.
I have selected the "Age Gated Content" attribute.
I am not selling to minors or dry counties (if applicable).

Fix It Faster

Verify your age gate visibility.

Site Scanner →

Check if your age gate is detectable.

Attribute Checker →

Confirm correct settings for Alcohol.

Related Rejections

Code 30883 SHAFT Violation Code 707 Tobacco/Vape Age Gate Code 1001 Age Gate Attribute Missing

Need a Compliant Age Gate?

Our toolkit includes code for a carrier-approved age verification modal.

Contact Support Back to Decoder

Legal Disclaimer: Alcohol marketing compliance (Code 706) requires adherence to both carrier policies and federal/state alcohol laws. Consult legal counsel for specific guidance.