Thursday

Alcohole Advertising

Key rules for alcohol advertising

Ads for alcoholic products should not:

  • encourage excessive drinking
  • have a strong appeal to those under the age of 18 years old
  • imply that alcohol has contributed to sexual or social success
  • show alcohol being handled or served irresponsibly
  • feature those who are, or appear to be, under the age of 25
  • place undue emphasis on alcoholic strength

Key facts about alcohol advertising regulation:

  • Specific rules for alcohol advertising have existed since 1975 and were last updated in 2005.
  • The ad industry is responsible for writing the rules through two bodies – CAP and BCAP.
  • Ads for TV and radio get pre-vetted and CAP’s Copy Advice service advises on compliance with the Codes for ads in other media.
  • In 2007 the ASA resolved 273 complaints about alcohol advertising.
  • Compliance with the rules is high: an ASA survey in 2006 found 94% of alcohol ads complied with the rules.
  • The ASA works closely with the Portman Group, which regulates the naming and packaging of alcoholic drinks.

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