The Alcohol Watch Network is issuing a clarion call for heightened restrictions on alcohol advertising citing concerns about the impact on young individuals and nascent drinkers. The watchdog group argues that these vulnerable groups are in danger due to the ripple effects of alcohol on health, societal structures, and the economy, rendering this an issue that demands urgent attention.
Teera Watcharapranee, the progressive director at the helm of the Alcohol Watch Network, emphasized yesterday how the network and its alliances stand firmly behind the cause. Constant vigilance is employed to spot and report any non-compliant operations related to alcohol advertising. Despite the law’s enforcement being incumbent on the Ministry of Public Health under the Alcohol Control Act of 2008, they have been zealous advocates for stricter regulations.
The watchdog group holds strong, submitting complaints about violations of these laws and regulations to the officials tasked with the Act’s enforcement. They outline the robust measures that govern sales and the points of sale, including statutory bans on both sales and consumption in civil service and religious institutions. They’ve even taken measures to limit sales to individuals under the age of 20, following Section 30’s mandate, and staunchly oppose promotional sales tactics such as introducing discounts and incentives.
The group passionately points out that Section 32 serves as a shield against the negative influences of alcohol advertising. It intricately prohibits anyone from promoting alcohol or displaying names or logos that may entice individuals to consume alcohol, either directly or indirectly.
The group sheds light on the role that social media plays in promoting alcohol products, accentuating how advertising and sales promotions can inadvertently create new drinkers. The argument is anchored on the premise that unrestricted advertising would provide unfettered access and influence to children and young people, leading to a domino effect of undesirable consequences.
The portrayal of alcohol in media advertising, twinned with aggressive sales techniques, not only exerts influence but effectively fuels an increase in fledgeling drinkers as per reports in KhaoSod. While the network does not oppose a significant spike in producers consistent with new ministerial regulations or the proposed progressive alcohol law, they caution against the downside of lax advertising controls.
Uncontrolled advertising may stimulate an uptick in the number of drinkers, thus indirectly endorsing alcohol consumption among children and young adults, thereby leading to a rampant increase in alcohol consumption. The group strongly advocates against this, warning about the potential harms that unregulated alcohol consumption can have on one’s health, personal finances, and the community at large.
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