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The majority of Germans are in favour of a strict ban on advertising wine and alcoholic beverages, according to a representative survey. According to a report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung, 59 percent of about 1,400 respondents aged 16 and older voted in favour. The survey was commissioned by the Federal Drug Commissioner Burkhard Blienert (SPD). More than two thirds of the participants also voted in favour of pointing out the health risks of alcohol consumption in advertisements.
Blienert wants to bring the careless use of alcohol more into the focus of society. Politicians are acting "negligently", he told the SZ. Studies show that advertising promotes consumption. Young people in particular are susceptible to this, the drug commissioner emphasised: "The more advertising, the earlier young people start drinking." In addition, the relapse rate of addicts is increased by alcohol advertising.
Therefore, he advocates a ban on alcohol advertising on television and digital media during prime time. Billboard advertising in public places accessible to children and young people should also be banned. Producers of alcoholic beverages - such as wineries - should no longer be allowed to sponsor events involving young people. In addition, he demands that under-16s should not be allowed to drink alcohol even in the presence of their parents. 84 per cent of those surveyed agreed with this point. 79 per cent would ban the sale of alcohol to young people under 18 on principle.
In international comparison, Germany is one of the most liberal countries in dealing with alcohol. This is also noticeable in consumption. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Germany had the fourth highest per capita consumption of pure alcohol in the world in 2019. The WHO recommends advertising bans or comprehensive advertising restrictions in conventional and social media as well as sponsorship.
While stricter rules apply in many European countries, the restrictions imposed by the German Advertising Council on alcohol advertising are manageable, it said. The obligations voluntarily imposed by industry are often cleverly circumvented. The question is, however, whether Blienert will succeed in implementing his demands politically. In the current coalition agreement, the parties have only agreed to restrict marketing and sponsoring with alcohol and nicotine products. In his function as Federal Drug Commissioner, he can only make recommendations.
(ru / source: SZ)