Self-restraint in alcohol advertising matters more than the law
Legal safeguards exist to protect the public The post Self-restraint in alcohol advertising matters more than the law appeared first on KBC Digital .
Alcohol advertising in Kenya has evolved to a point where self-restraint is more crucial than legal regulation, according to a report. The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act of 2010 and a proposed National Policy on Prevention of Alcohol and Drug Abuse aim to curb excessive consumption, but enforcement remains a challenge, particularly in the digital realm.
A 2024 study found that Kenyan university students are exposed to numerous alcohol-related posts daily on Facebook, with this exposure linked to risky drinking habits. Despite alcohol companies signing a self-regulatory Code of Conduct in 2018, a World Health Organisation surveillance program uncovered violations in nearly 28% of the 282 ads studied.
The industry argues that their profits contribute significantly to the economy, but the cost of alcohol-related human health and societal issues cannot be quantified. It is argued that self-restraint in advertising, avoiding glamorization and targeting youth, is a sign of responsibility and long-term thinking.
Written by urgent.news from KBC's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
