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Rudd Government Must Ban Daytime Alcohol Advertising

Press Releases January 19 2009

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Binge drinking is a cultural issue and Family First has a plan to encourage a responsible drinking culture by banning daytime alcohol ads and putting health warning labels on alcohol products.

“For almost two years Family First has been calling on the Federal government to get serious about tackling Australia’s binge drinking culture by restricting alcohol advertising until after 9pm,” Family First Leader Senator Steve Fielding said today.

“Why does the government allow a crazy loophole for alcohol to be advertised on daytime television during sport, when kids are watching?

The NSW Health Minister today called for more regulation of alcohol advertising, reportedly saying it harms young people.

Statistics show alcohol-related admissions to hospital emergency departments in NSW have soared by 130% for 18-24 year olds since 2000.

“Family First has draft laws before the Senate to tackle the problem of binge drinking through health warning labels, banning daytime TV advertising of alcohol, taking control of alcohol advertising away from the alcohol industry and educating people about the dangers of binge drinking,” Senator Fielding said.

“Last year research by the Salvation Army found 8.4 million Australians want less alcohol advertising and more than 4.3 million Australians say alcohol has had a negative impact on them or their family.

“Australia has a huge binge drinking problem costing $15.3 billion per year. Australia needs to tackle its binge drinking problem by creating a culture of responsible drinking.”