Sorry Carla, have to disagree with you on this one. Government's original proposal was to regulate alcohol advertising as the result of the ratification of the 2008 WHO Plenary Resolution in this regard. Regulation is complex, difficult and expensive. Banning is none of these things. Aaron Mostoaledi has once more made it quite clear that the ANC government will pursue a total ban on alcohol advertising. What the ANC want's the ANC gets. But it's not just the ANC that's driving in this direction: the DA is equally keen on banning alcohol advertising. Despite massive public and opposition reaction to the Secrecy Bill, it has been rammed through Parliament. What chance do you think there is, that a bill banning alcohol advertising stands of begin defeated, if both government AND the opposition support it? And whereas the Secrecy Bill may be overturned by the Constitutional Court, I doubt sincerely that a bill banning alcohol advertising can expect the same treatment.

Hi Norman,

Thank you for the comment. I agree that regulating alcohol advertising will be expensive but even if alcohol advertising is completely banned, will it achieve Government's objective of reducing the number of crimes that are conducted while under the influence? I don't think so, people will drink - whether alcohol ads are banned or not. The point of this article is to discuss what other marketing channels alcohol marketers can or will utilise and it's going to be interesting to see how alcohol brands react to Government's decision. Thanks again for your comment!

I've written on this subject extensively in the last three years, noting that an alcohol advertising ban will have no material affect on abuse patterns, is axiomatic.
Alcohol producers should be focussing their attention on leveraging below the line channels right now, rather than waiting for the inevitable ban to be put in place.
The tobacco industry was caught with its pants around its ankles, because it believed it would be able to sidestep the ban. It will probably take about three years for the legislation to come into effect. If liquor producers move now, by the time the ban comes into effect, it will be irrelevant.

implications for the ban of alcohol advertising on the heineken brand on their IMC campaign.

i c more and more young people smoking afterthe ban, will this alcohol ban work, i know government is trying to protect young people.

either way f its banned or not. people will still know of alcohol. but its just like they did with cigs. why cant they be advertised yet alcohol can be. so why not bann both all together to get done with the idea of it. and honestly do you really want your kid playing football or baseball knowing their being sponsered by something that unhealthy or could kill them so they cant play that sport anymore. i know i dont.

If the complete ban on SELLING alcohol did nothing to quell the demand during Prohibition, what chance does banning advertising have?

Alcohol abuse is a symptom of other social blights such as unemployment, lack of education and over-population. Address these with the same vigor and violent crime will decrease. Amsterdam is famous for its freely avaliable alcohol and selected drugs, and their per capita crime stats are enviable.

Give people purpose and hope for a better life, and you'll reduce the violence.