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The intent behind restricting alcohol advertising in public spaces is to deglamorize the appeal of drinking alcohol. This is due to the fact that public advertising normalized drinking. Alcohol advertising restrictions can be in the form of a local ordinance or state law, or can be implemented voluntarily by a business, event, or organization.
What is this strategy?
Restrictions on alcohol advertising include any policies that limit advertising of alcoholic beverages, particularly advertising that exposes young people to pro-alcohol messages. Restrictions can be in the form of a local ordinance or state law, or can be implemented voluntarily by a business, event, or organization and can include:
- banning ads on buses, trains, kiosks, billboards, and supermarket carts, and in bus shelters, schools, and theme parks.
- banning or limiting advertising and sponsorship at community events such as festivals, parties, rodeos, concerts, and sporting events.
- banning advertising in areas surrounding schools, residential areas, faith organizations, etc.
- restricting or banning TV and/or radio alcohol commercials.
- restricting alcohol advertising in newspapers and/or on the Internet.
- countering alcohol ads with public service announcements.
- restricting the size and placement of window advertisements in liquor and convenience stores.
- requiring all alcohol ads in the local media to include warnings about the health risks of alcohol consumption.
- setting a maximum for the percentage of total print advertising space that alcohol ads can cover.
- reducing the disproportionately high number of alcohol billboards in lowincome neighborhoods.
- prohibiting images and statements that portray or encourage intoxication.
- enforcing existing restrictions on alcohol advertising.
When should I consider implementing this strategy?
- When a community is desensitized to alcohol advertising.
- If data suggests that advertising may have a direct impact on drinking practices and consequences.
How do I implement this strategy?
Key activities for implementation:
- Reduce or restrict the use of alcohol billboards in a community.
- Regulate point-of-sale displays at locations where alcohol is sold or served.
- Increase awareness of alcohol advertising via the internet.
- Alcohol Advertising Restrictions (FACE).