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EASA alcohol ad monitoring report shows high compliance rates Release date: 9 December 2008 On 5 December the European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) presented the results of its 2008 compliance monitoring exercise for television and print advertising of alcoholic beverages at a dedicated workshop organised in Brussels. The report shows that 94% of all advertisements for beer, wine and spirits on television and in print publications for the reviewed three month period complied with the national advertising codes and applicable laws. “The 2008 compliance monitoring report not only demonstrates good compliance rates for the sectors involved but also highlights the added value of effective advertising standards”, observed Dr. Oliver Gray, Director-General of EASA. The report details a number of improvements made this year taking into account the remarks made by independent reviewers for the previous year. The alcohol monitoring compliance exercise, which now runs in its third year, was widened in 2008 to include 19 European countries, as opposed to 15 in the 2007 exercise. Also this year, the team of independent reviewers was reinforced by a representative from Generation Europe, which acts as a two-way communication platform for young Europeans under 30 to discuss and promote their opinions with public and corporate policy makers. “Considering the various cultures, age of target groups and self-regulatory bodies together with the detailed results shown here, this report is a mine of information and inspiration for the marketing and advertising teams working in the brewers and spirits industries”, stated Marie-Hélène Cussac, Communication Manager at Generation Europe, in the report. Another independent reviewer, Jack Law of Alcohol Focus Scotland, a Scottish alcohol awareness raising charity, highlighted that with the exception of those countries that have statutory regulation, on the majority of the measures there has been a sharp decline in many of the categories of breach. “This is a most positive outcome, especially on issues to do with sexual success, social success, health benefits and appealing to under-18s, each of which are issues that excite considerable controversy.” The alcohol compliance monitoring results were discussed at a well attended workshop at which not only representatives of self-regulatory organisations across EASA’s membership were present but also representatives of leading spirits and brewing companies as well as national associations of the spirits’ and brewers’ sector. The workshop provided an ideal platform to share best practice and helped further the understanding of the rules applicable and their interpretation in different countries. - ENDS - For press enquiries please contact: Renée Brautigam, EASA Promotion & Communications Officer communications(at)easa-alliance.org +32 2 513 78 06 Notes to editors About EASA: The European Advertising Standards Alliance (EASA) is the single authoritative voice on advertising self-regulation issues and promotes high ethical standards in commercial communications by means of effective self-regulation, while being mindful of national differences of culture, legal and commercial practice. As a non-profit organisation based in Brussels, it brings together national advertising self-regulatory organisations (25 from 23 European countries as well as SROs in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, New Zealand and South Africa) and 16 organisations representing the advertising industry in Europe. 2008 Alcohol Monitoring Compliance Report: Download copy here Hard copy of press release Download copy here
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