French absinthe makers hail end of 'hypocrisy'

French absinthe makers can finally say what's in the bottle.

French authorities banned the liquorice-tasting tipple a century ago because of its alleged hallucinogenic qualities.

Authorities permitted its sale again in 1988 after scientists found the drink wasn't more dangerous than other strongly alcoholic drinks but wouldn't let producers call it absinthe.

Now a decree in the state's Journal Officiel says the name ban has been dropped.

Distillers are hailing it as a chance to promote absinthe in a country where much of the world's supply is produced but few people know it is sold.

Franck Choisne who owns the Combier distillery in the southwestern town of Saumur said Monday the quiet dropping of the ban last week was "the end of French hypocrisy."