Alcohol Advertising Restrictions
Alcohol advertising should face the same restrictions as tobacco advertising. It should not be allowed on television. Research suggests that exposure to alcohol ads predicts the start of underage drinking and increased drinking overall. Limiting these ads could therefore be beneficial.
Influence on Youth and Society
Alcohol ads should avoid content that particularly appeals to those under 21, like using cartoon characters. Alcohol advertising affects society by normalizing drinking and influencing adolescents. Many countries restrict where and when alcohol companies can advertise to limit exposure to youth. Self-regulation dominates alcohol marketing more than legal restrictions.
Regulation History and Impact
Government regulations do not forbid TV beer commercials, though networks historically banned them voluntarily to discourage underage drinking. This policy has begun to relax recently. However, liquor ads were banned from TV and radio for decades, from 1936-1996.
FAQs
Is it legal to advertise alcohol on television?
Alcohol advertising should not be allowed on television. There is evidence that alcohol ads influence underage viewers. Research suggests exposure to alcohol ads predicts increased underage drinking and drinking overall. As an addictive substance, alcohol influences decision-making by causing the brain’s reward system to malfunction.
Can you show someone drinking alcohol on TV?
The average body takes one hour to metabolize alcohol in a beer. Overall, self-regulation dominates alcohol marketing more than restrictions. Alcohol ads normalize drinking and influence adolescents. Ads should avoid content appealing to those under 21. Government regulations do not forbid TV beer commercials, though networks have historically banned them to discourage underage drinking. This policy has recently relaxed. Liquor ads were banned from 1936-1996.