‘Ease up on the Drink’ to Replace Alcohol Signage at Phoenix Football Matches

PRESS RELEASE
10 OCTOBER 2012

Fans attending Wellington Phoenix football matches this season will see alcohol moderation messages replacing alcohol signage in the stadium following a sponsorship deal between the club and the Health Promotion Agency (HPA).

The Football Federation Australia has signed up to an Australian Government initiative to reduce the influence of alcohol promotion on young people. Clubs receive sponsorship from a government Community Sponsorship Fund as an alternative to accepting alcohol sponsorship. This means the Phoenix, which plays in the Australian League, cannot display alcohol signage at its games.

“We were happy to step in and provide moderation messages,” said HPA General Manager Policy, Research and Advice Dr Andrew Hearn.

“Football is increasingly popular with young people and it’s great to get alcohol signage out of the ground.
“We are concerned about the impact of alcohol advertising on young people. A 2009 review found that exposure to media and commercial communications on alcohol was associated with earlier consumption, and with increased drinking amongst those who already drink.”
Dr Hearn said the recent Young People's Survey by Sport NZ shows football is one of the highest participatory sports amongst youth with 73.8 percent of boys aged 5 to 10 reporting playing football in the previous 12 months.

The HPA is a new organisation which has taken over the functions of the former Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC).

Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome said the club was looking forward to working with the HPA.

“Young people make up a good proportion of our fan base and it is important we send out the right message to them when it comes to looking after their health,” Dome said.

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