Govt Leaves Untouched The powerful Influence of Alcohol Marketing

GALA notes the Government’s lack-lustre response to the impact of alcohol advertising, promotion and marketing.

It has largely ignored the recommendations of the Law Commission’s report regarding advertising, and opted for a very minor change that does not address the fact that exposure to alcohol advertising predicts early drinking among the young and heavy drinkers.

GALA spokesperson Dr Graeme Woodfield says that alcohol advertising is detrimental to young people and conditions them to regarding alcohol as just another drink product rather than the addictive drug it is. Eight six percent of the submitters to the Law Commission who commented on this issue supported banning or restricting all alcohol advertising in all media. “Clearly there is an understanding among the public of the influence of alcohol advertising and a willingness to have something concrete done about it,” says Dr Woodfield.

Not only has the Government failed to put in place effective controls on alcohol advertising but it has have also delayed the implementation of the other limited measures until after the Rugby World cup event clearly demonstrating the strong influence commercial interests are having on official decision-making on this matter.

Dr Woodfield says we do not need more research to reveal that advertising is a major factor in facilitating the national cultural attitude to alcohol. The alcohol industry uses every possible marketing ploy to extend its message, including extensive use of the electronic media. Expenditure of over $NZ200,000 on alcohol advertising and sponsorship per day indicates just how much the industry depends on its marketing programme.

“The health and well-being of our society must not be left in the hands of those with a commercial interest, especially the multi-billion dollar corporations who have no other interest in New Zealand but to ensure that our drinking culture continues as it is.”

ENDS

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