Call for ban on alcohol adverts

CLLR John Joe Culloty has asked Kerry County Council to catalyse the process to ban alcohol advertising in Ireland. Cllr Culloty put down a motion at this month’s meeting of Kerry County Council, which follows on the back of similar motion at July’s meeting. He requested that thelocal authority call on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to ‘begin the process of banning the advertising of alcohol products’. Cllr Culloty cited the adverse effects of advertising, especially on young people, adding that banning alcohol advertising was a ‘no brainer’. “I was watching television one evening and there was an ad about a woman who lost her son in a road accident. The very next ad was about an alcoholic drink with young people partying. It’s a total contradiction. I came across a survey in Australia recently where young people knew more alcohol brand names than types of ice cream.” Cllr Culloty added that most of the gardaí he spoke with in the Kerry Division said 80 percent of their court-related cases are alcohol related. “Behind all these stats are the personal stories that affect families, be it assault or time in hospital due to alcohol related incidents. “I’m not against having a few pints but we need to wise up. It’s becoming acceptable that we now have an unhealthy relationship with drink,” Cllr Culloty added. In reply, council management said a letter had been sent to the Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force requesting information on the impact of advertising on alcohol consumption. A report was received stating they strongly supported Cllr Culloty’s motion.