Statement re: FTC Requires Alcohol Companies to Supply Data on Advertising

National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Thursday, 6 August 1998

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence greatly appreciates the actions taken today by the Federal Trade Commission to require alcohol companies to supply data on their self-regulatory activities and the settlements with the advertisers of Beck's beer and Kahlua White Russian drinks. These actions hold the alcoholic beverage industry accountable for its advertising practices.

If the FTC is to produce a thorough report to Congress, the Beer Institute, Wine Institute and Distilled Spirits Council of the United States must turn over information relating to their efforts to prevent advertising that is not directed at or appealing to people under the legal drinking age. NCADD has long been concerned about the role of advertising in underage drinking because of research such as that recently released by Erica Weintraub Austin, PhD. Her study, Predicting Future Risky Behavior Among Those "Too Young" to Drink as the Result of Advertising Desirability. The findings "clearly suggest[s] that alcohol advertising and alcohol-themed products like the Budweiser frogs can prime children to drink long before they have the opportunity." An federal evaluation of the industry's attempts to self-regulate ads that appeal to kids is very welcome.

There is good reason to be concerned about underage drinking: it is a factor in the three leading causes of death among young people and is related to a high percentage of school drop-outs and unplanned pregnancies. NCADD supports a comprehensive media campaign targeted at people under the age of 21, for whom alcohol is an illegal drug, that provides accurate and useful information to prevent underage drinking.

NCADD provides information, education, help and hope in the fight against the chronic, often fatal diseases of alcoholism and other drug addictions. Founded in 1944, NCADD is a voluntary health organization with a nationwide network of Affiliates. NCADD advocates prevention, intervention, research and treatment and is dedicated to ridding the disease of its stigma and its sufferers from their denial and shame.

For more information, or to contact National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, see their website at: www.ncadd.org