Media associations upset over Advertisement Board’s alcohol advertisement restrictions
A number of media-based associations of Nepal have expressed their grievances over a statement released by the Advertisement Board on 11th November, which condemned advertisements of tobacco and alcohol products.
Advertisement Board proclaimed that several mediums such as newspapers and hoarding boards were found advertising alcoholic beverages and tobacco products during Dashain & Tihar. The statement further read that such advertisements contradict the Public Health Act-2075 BS and Advertising Regulations Act- 2076 BS.
Nepal Media Society, Radio Broadcasters Forum Nepal and Advertisement Association of Nepal have collectively lambasted the Advertisement Board. They contended that the board’s statement is a major setback against the progress of advertisement industry amidst its pitiful status due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The joint statement made by the aforementioned associations argued that “Government authorities accumulate huge sum of money in the from of legal fees and taxes from the businessmen involved in the alcohol industry and banning advertisements of such products that are legal and pervasive in the marketplace insinuates unfairness”. They further argued that the government must secure the investments injected into the advertisement sector and manage unemployment of those that may arise as a result of the restrictions.
On one hand, there are ethical questions related to public advertisements of tobacco and alcohol related products; on the other hand, such advertisements can foster the crippling industry and ultimately contribute to the country’s economic growth. What are your thoughts?
