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".
- 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
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.
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.
Need a Compliant Age Gate?
Our toolkit includes code for a carrier-approved age verification modal.
What reviewers check for code 706
Code 706 is reported as "Prohibited Content: Alcohol Age Gate". Alcohol, tobacco, vaping and e-cigarette messaging is allowed only with a working age gate on the opt-in and website, the age-gated attribute declared on the campaign, and content that complies with law. Reviewers check that consumers must confirm legal age (21+ for alcohol and tobacco in the US) before opting in.
Where code 706 comes from
Code 706 is a vetting rejection reason applied during brand or campaign review and passed back to you by your CSP. It identifies the specific deficiency the reviewer found, so fixing exactly that item is the fastest route to approval. It is marked Critical: it describes content or a business model carriers do not permit, so the campaign cannot be approved until that content is removed, not just reworded.
Age-gated opt-in text
Rejected:
Text DEALS to 555-0100 for weekly specials!
Approved:
You must be 21 or older to join. Enter your date of birth to continue. Text DEALS to 555-0100 for weekly specials from Lakeview Residential. Up to 4 msgs/month. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to opt out.
Fix and verify before resubmitting
- Add an age verification step to the website and the SMS opt-in form, such as a date-of-birth entry that blocks under-21 users.
- Select the age-gated content attribute in the campaign.
- State in the campaign description and opt-in instructions how age is verified.
- Remove messages encouraging excessive consumption or targeting minors.
- Upload a screenshot of the age gate if the reviewer cannot see it publicly.
- Resubmit with a note that references code 706 (Prohibited Content: Alcohol Age Gate) and lists each change made.
Sample resubmission note
Many CSPs let you add a note for the reviewer when you resubmit. A short, specific note shows what changed and speeds up the second review. Example for Lakeview Residential:
Lakeview Residential corrected the deficiency reported as code 706 (Prohibited Content: Alcohol Age Gate). Changes made: add an age verification step to the website and the SMS opt-in form, such as a date-of-birth entry that blocks under-21 users; select the age-gated content attribute in the campaign; state in the campaign description and opt-in instructions how age is verified. All URLs, keywords and auto-replies were re-tested from an external network before this resubmission, and the campaign text now matches the live opt-in exactly.
Common mistakes that keep code 706 coming back
- Gating the website but not the keyword or form opt-in.
- Using an honor-system checkbox where reviewers expect date-of-birth verification.
- Forgetting to tick the age-gated attribute.
Related rejection codes
- Code 1001: Age Gate Attribute Missing
- Code 30888: Age Gate Missing on Website
- Code 7007: Alcohol/Vape Missing Age Gate
- Code 707: Prohibited Content: Tobacco & Vape
- Code 2131: Verbal Script Missing STOP Instructions
- Code 2128: Opt-in Form Missing HELP Instructions
Frequently asked questions about code 706
Is a "Yes, I'm 21" button enough?
Many reviewers accept a date-of-birth gate more readily than a simple button. Use a DOB check and block under-age entries.
Do restaurants that serve alcohol need an age gate?
Only if messages promote alcohol. Reservation and food messaging without alcohol promotion does not need one.
Legal Disclaimer: Alcohol marketing compliance (Code 706) requires adherence to both carrier policies and federal/state alcohol laws. Consult legal counsel for specific guidance.
© 2025 MyTCRPlus. All rights reserved.