Swiss advertising takes a stand against alcohol advertising bans
In connection with the National Alcohol Program (NPA) initiated by the Federal Council, Schweizer Werbung has issued a three-page statement opposing any ban on alcohol advertising. The problem of the risk of addiction should be tackled at its root causes, and bans are a way of combating symptoms.
As a member of the committee "for a sensible alcohol policy", Schweizer Werbung (SW) took part in the consultation process for the National Alcohol Program (NPA). With this program, the Federal Office of Public Health is to formulate a new alcohol policy on behalf of the Federal Council. In a three-page statement published on Tuesday, Schweizer Werbung rejects any ban on advertising in this context. The association is of the opinion that the problem of the risk of addiction should be tackled at its root causes. Bans would be tantamount to uselessly combating symptoms. The main thrust of the alcohol policy proposed by Schweizer Werbung is the personal responsibility of the individual, which should be strengthened and supported by behavioral prevention. The association is also calling for the enforcement of existing legal regulations to be ensured, particularly in the area of youth protection, before new regulations are created. With regard to the responsibility of the advertising industry in alcohol advertising, Schweizer Werbung refers to the code of conduct that the alcohol industry has agreed with the Swiss Commission on Fair Trading in the area of commercial communication.
