New Study: Alcohol Advertising Codes Allow Risky Messages

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A recent study from the Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth (CAMY) adds to the growing evidence that industry self-regulation of its own alcohol advertising does not work to protect public safety. The industry's codes allow overexposure of youth to alcohol advertising and untruthful health claims, among other concerns. Analysis of 1,800 magazine advertisements revealed that many contain unhealthy messages and images such as sexually objectified women and alcohol consumption associations with weight control. Public health advocates such as the American Academy of Pediatrics urge the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to adopt standards for alcohol advertising, including restrictions on ads in media with audiences that are likely more than 10% underage. To read more about how self-regulation of alcohol advertising fails to protect public health, download our report: "Why Big Alcohol Can't Police Itself: A Review of Advertising Self-Regulation in the Distilled Spirits Industry."