Kendall Jenner has faced backlash after promoting her brand 818 Tequila on college campuses.
The 28-year-old supermodel recently visited college campuses in Georgia, Alabama and Florida this week as part of the “Kendall's College Tour” to promote her liquor company. On Tuesday, February 6, Jenner was seen handing out drinks at bars near the University of Georgia and University of Alabama campuses, as well as at the University of Florida the next day.
In an Instagram post by Kris Jenner, the 68-year-old reality TV star shared photos and videos of her daughter handing out tequila shots and drinks to hordes of college students packed inside bars. Several groups of college students were seen wearing 818 Tequila baseball caps, while Jenner worked behind the bar taking orders.
On her first stop at Innisfree Irish Pub in Tuscaloosa, Jenner served $2 shots of 818 Tequila Blanco and $4 margaritas, according to AL.com, followed by a visit to The Houndstooth bar. Hours later, she served drinks at Paloma Park in Athens while wearing a red and black Georgia crewneck sweater. The Victoria's Secret model was also seen signing bottles of her 818 Tequila at a liquor store in Athens.
Meanwhile, his trip to The Swamp restaurant in Florida was greeted by a crowd chanting “Kendall” and “818,” according to The Gainesville Sun.
“Kendall's @drink818 college tour!” her mother captioned the post. “Kendall visited the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and the University of Georgia #Drink818 @kendalljenner @harryhudson.”
Despite large crowds excited by Jenner's presence, her college tour received some backlash for “promoting” the drink on college campuses. On Instagram, one concerned follower commented: “Wow, I wonder who thought this was a good idea? She should be ashamed of herself.”
“A way to encourage excessive drinking and alcoholism,” said another person, while someone else wrote: “Promote underage drinking.”
“'Drink responsibly' did not speak to any major partisan culture at American colleges or universities. Never,” said a third user.
“This is horrible. Why target a dangerous demographic who already drink and drive more than they should, whose brains aren't fully developed until age 25? another person commented. “This is going too far.”
While many users claimed that Jenner was promoting underage drinking, 818 Tequila events held near college campuses were for customers 21 and older. In an Instagram post shared by The Swamp Restaurant, a sign for the 818 Tequila event read: “Must be 21+ to enter.” Most college students start school at age 18 and graduate at age 22, with 21 being the legal drinking age in the United States.
Meanwhile, a disclaimer on 818 Tequila's website reads: “Please do not share with anyone under the legal age to purchase alcohol. Drink responsibly. “Don’t drink and drive.”
This isn't the first time Jenner has promoted her liquor company to college students. He keeping up with the Kardashians The student previously went on her college tour in October 2023, when she visited four college campuses in the Midwest. Jenner made several stops at bars near Ohio State University, Indiana University, University of Illinois Urbana -Champaign and the University of Michigan last October. Just like on her most recent trip, she served margaritas with 818 Tequila Blanco and signed bottles at local liquor stores.
Jenner founded 818 Tequila in 2021, named after the area code of her hometown in Calabasas, California. According to her website, 818 Tequila works “closely with local family farms in Jalisco, Mexico” to create the “smoothest, most natural and best-tasting tequila possible.”
The independent has contacted representatives of 818 Tequila for comment.
