1 March 2005

Advertising Standards Authority wrong on booze ads

The Greens have taken aim at the Advertising Standards Authority over its claim that current restrictions on alcohol advertising are adequate.

The Authority's statement today was in response to a Government announcement that the rules around alcohol advertising are to be reviewed.

"It is ludicrous for the Advertising Standards Authority to claim that the code for liquor advertising is strong enough, when it plainly is not", said Green Party Drug Law Reform Spokesperson Nandor Tanczos.

"Young people are bombarded with alcohol advertising on television and radio and this is contributing to a damaging drinking culture.

"2002 figures from alcohol watchdog Group Against Liquor Advertising show teenagers aged between 14 and 17 spend $140 million per year on alcohol. This age group is being targeted by alcohol companies, who are trying to perpetuate an alcohol-dependent culture.

"The Green Party believes alcohol advertising should simply not be allowed on television and radio."

Nandor welcomed yesterday's announcement by Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor that an inter-agency committee will look at options for changing the way alcohol advertising is monitored.

"The last review of alcohol advertising by the Advertising Standards Authority in 2003 was totally inadequate and, despite the authority's claims that regulations were tightened up then to protect young people, little has changed," said Nandor.

ENDS

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