Alcohol advertising consultation to ask questions on sex and health

LONDON - A consultation has been launched on advertising alcohol on television and radio, looking at the new guidance notes on sexual relationships and the new rule on health and dietary claims.

The Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice is asking for responses to the two issues.

The deadline for comments on the guidance notes regarding sexual relationships is April 11. This note is in response to Ofcom rules that came into effect in January this year and states that, while mild flirtation may be shown in an alcohol ad, it must not imply that sexual activity has taken place or is about to take place.

The second issue is the introduction of a new rule, which says that advertisers should not imply that an alcoholic drink could be a source of nourishment or suitable as part of an exercise, fitness or weight control regime. The deadline for this consultation is June 6, with the new rule due to be in force by August.

An ad for Michelob Ultra by DDB London recently escaped a ban despite 22 viewer complaints saying the spot implied you need beer for a healthy lifestyle.

The consultation does not cover the issue of introducing a watershed for alcohol advertising, which has been called for by the Royal College of Physicians.

Andrew Brown, chairman of the BCAP, said: "We want to ensure that the advertising industry, pre-clearance body and the ASA are absolutely clear on what is acceptable in broadcast advertising. The consultation offers all those who are interested to ensure that their voice gets heard."

The full consultation can be found .

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