The self-regulatory alcohol advertising system in Australia, ABAC, conducted a review of their code and processes last year, which report is about to be released.
Several health and community groups publicly declined to participate in the review. But more, they released the following statement in relation to the clearly industry subjective, and no doubt, self-affirming process.
“We, the undersigned, refuse to participate in this process of reviewing a scheme which is inherently flawed. No amount of tinkering with the ABAC, which is designed and run by alcohol lobbyists, will ever put the health and wellbeing of our community above the profits of these multinational corporations. We need strong Government-led regulation of alcohol marketing in Australia that is independent of the alcohol industry — a comprehensive legislative framework with enforcement measures that effectively stop harmful alcohol marketing. Many community and health organisations have long recognised and advocated for such an approach.”
What is Really Needed:
- Now, alcohol companies relentlessly market their products to children, young people and people at risk of harm – this must change immediately.
- The rules the industry has developed for itself are weak and littered with loopholes. Community complaints are often dismissed, and even when breaches are upheld, there are no consequences because the code is completely voluntary. Or just remove useful but ignored long-standing best practice legislation.
- Consequently, it is way past time that all Alcohol advertising needs to be subject to government-led regulation that protects children, families and the broader community.
