Since the end of 2006’ EU Alcohol Strategy it has been relatively silent on the front of alcohol policy on a European level. Earlier this month however a committee of the European Commission discussed a European Action plan on alcohol, while also preparing for a possible follow up of the EU Alcohol Strategy. While originally … Read More →
The BBC reports that the Turkish government is looking at restricting alcohol advertising through social media and fining violators heavily. In contrast to the new restrictions on alcohol marketing through social media in Finland, Turkey’s policy would affect civilians creating social media content that “suggest advertising for alcohol brands” and not just alcohol companies. The … Read More →
A statewide survey has found that 70 percent of food shops in California have outdoor advertising for unhealthy products like tobacco, alcohol and junk food, while only about 12 percent advertise healthy options like fruits and vegetables. Health officials who organized the survey of 7,300 retail stores are urging store owners to revise the way … Read More →
Last Friday the President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, signed off on proposed amendments to Finland’s alcohol advertising legislation. Interestingly, one of the new laws to go into effect in 2015 is an unprecedented ban on alcohol branded social media communication. Starting in 2015, existing regulations (ia prohibition of advertisements for strong alcoholic beverages in public … Read More →
The website of the US’ National Public Radio (NPR) recently reported on an upcoming trend in high-end bars and restaurants: alcoholic beverages mixed with tobacco for an extra spicy flavour and a ‘nicotine buzz.’ NPR spoke to the owner of Los Angeles based ‘gastropub’ Father’s Office, which has sweetened one of their cocktails with ‘a … Read More →
The UK government has announced plans to ban the sale of alcohol at below cost (duty plus VAT) in England and Wales. The new regulation goes into effect next April, despite concerns from health experts that this new policy is relatively ineffective. As was shown by the University of Sheffield last summer, the ban on … Read More →
Applying a method adopted from a court in the US to identify underage targeting of advertising, researchers from CAMY (the Centre of Alcohol Marketing and Youth) and Virtual Media Resources (VMR) have found evidence of targeting of alcohol advertising to underage viewers ages 18–20. This evidence was found when the researchers were looking for reasons … Read More →
The proposed, and approved by cabinet, plans for a ban on alcohol advertising in South Africa have been put on hold again. The ban is now pending an independent regulatory impact assessment (RIA) commissioned by the South African Department of Health. In late November the Department of Health asked proposals for a regulatory impact, service … Read More →
Earlier this month the Finnish Parliamentary Social Affairs and Health Committee issued a report to prohibit advertising of mild alcoholic beverages in public places in Finland. Parliament spokesperson said, the aim is to reduce the situations where children and youth are exposed to alcohol advertising, reports Finnbay. The Committee proposed that the alcohol advertising should … Read More →
A recent American study found that four brands of alcohol accounted for more than half of the brands named in popular song lyrics. The researchers suggest their finding are no coincidence, but are likely the result of sponsorship deals. The research conducted by the School of Public Health and the Bloomberg School of Public Health … Read More →