National Newspaper of Ireland (NNI) welcomes the publication today of the National Substance Misuse Steering Group’s report and the Group’s endorsement of the effective operation of the existing codes governing alcohol advertising in the print media.
In 2008, NNI met with the Department of Health to discuss how best to limit the misuse of alcohol by young people. NNI agreed to abide by a strict Code of Practice for alcohol advertising in the print media and this has been operating very effectively since then. Adherance and compliance with the code is monitored by the Alcohol Marketing Communications Monitoring Body (AMCMB) and our members have fully co-operated with AMCMB.
The NSMSG has today recognised the effective operation of these codes in its recommednation for the print media and NNI welcomes this endorsement.
NNI previously recommended that the power and reach of newspapers be used by NSMSG to communicate its message and highlight the dangers of alcohol misuse. With 82% of the adult population, 75% of all students and 77% of 15-24 year olds regularly reading a newspaper, the medium is very well placed to facilitate public debate and encourage a cultural change in the way alcohol abuse is viewed in Irish society.
