01/07/2008

Alcohol Advertising Code Introduced

The way alcohol is advertised in Ireland is to change from Tuesday night as major restrictions come into effect.

Under new regulations agreed between the drinks industry and the Department of Health, alcohol advertisements will be banned from television between 6am and 10am, and may not be placed within 100 metres of youth clubs.

The code of conduct also bans the advertising of alcohol in sports events where participants are under 18.

Michael Patten, Chairman of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI), said that the new codes would be very challenging for the industry, advertising and media sectors.

However, Patten added the codes represented a positive recognition by the Department of Health and the Government for the policy of co-regulation, whereby the Department and the industry agree to restrictions on marketing alcohol rather imposing restrictions by law.

"With so much media in Ireland now coming from overseas or originating over the internet, co-regulation represents the best way to regulate alcohol advertising in Ireland as it can embrace advertising on media and channels which are outside the jurisdiction of the State," he said.

(DW/JM)

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