FG, ban alcohol advertisement

The federal government needs to ban the advertisement of alcohol  on TV,  radio, newspapers and billboards. The rate at which people get drunk these days is unfortunate and it is being encouraged by advertising. Alcohol should be treated on the same pedestal as other banned intoxicants such as marijuana. We must bear in mind that […]

The federal government needs to ban the advertisement of alcohol  on TV,  radio, newspapers and billboards.

The rate at which people get drunk these days is unfortunate and it is being encouraged by advertising.

Alcohol should be treated on the same pedestal as other banned intoxicants such as marijuana.

We must bear in mind that our children watch TV and see alcohol being advertised and may not see its difference from other non-alcoholic drinks being advertised. There is, therefore, the possibility of raising their curiosity which may lead them into indulging in it

A ban or at least a restriction on alcohol advertising can reduce the exposure of children and adolescents to alcohol.

In 1996, the United States Government banned the advertisement of  hard liquor on television industries voluntarily, but with some cable networks airing these ads, major network broadcasters eventually join them.

I appeal to our lawmakers to consider introducing a bill to ban such adverts in Nigeria.

 

Jamil H. Salim, resides in  Abuja and can be reached via [email protected]