Alcohol

Helpful information on the advertising rules for Alcohol ads, and examples of previous Advertising Standards Authority rulings in this area.

Alcohol advertising is often a sensitive topic. Societal concerns about alcohol, in particular problems such as binge and underage drinking, mean that it is rarely out of the headlines. With these issues high on the political agenda close scrutiny has been given to those factors that may influence the amount of alcohol we consume, and in response, the UK advertising rules for alcohol are amongst the strictest in the world.

The rules which apply to ads across all media place a particular emphasis on protecting young people. Alcohol ads must not be directed at people under 18 or contain anything that is likely to appeal to them by reflecting youth culture. Any individuals that feature in alcohol ads must be 25 years of age or over, and look it. There are also strict controls around the placement of alcohol ads and they are currently banned from appearing in and around programmes targeted at audiences below the age of 18 and programmes likely to appeal particularly to this age group.

The more general rules in place to protect consumers of all ages include: not linking the consumption of alcohol to increased popularity, sexual success, confidence, sporting achievements or mental performance; not portraying drinking alcohol as a challenge or with tough or daring behaviour; not encouraging people to adopt an unwise style of drinking such as binge drinking or showing it being served irresponsibly; not suggesting alcohol has therapeutic qualities or can help you overcome your problems.

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Latest rulings

Diageo Great Britain Ltd
- Upheld
- Internet (social networking)
- 03 January 2018
A Snapchat lens advertising Captain Morgan, seen in June 2017, included a cartoon icon of a pirate. The lens, which made the user’s face look like Captain Morgan, featured two glasses of a mixed alcoholic drink clinking together on screen, a seagull that flew a scroll on to the screen, which said “Live like the Capt...
Pernod Ricard UK Ltd
- Upheld
- Internet (social networking)
- 22 November 2017
A sponsored Facebook post by Absolut, a vodka brand, seen on 9 August 2017, featured a video of a group of young people sitting in a boat. On-screen text stated “ENJOY ABSOLUT RESPONSIBLY”.
Channel Four Television Corporation
- Not Upheld
- Television
- 04 October 2017
A TV ad for Haig Whiskey was broadcast on Channel 4 at 8:30 am on 12 April 2017 during the TV show “Everybody Loves Raymond”.
AB InBev UK Ltd t/a Bud Light Beer
- Not upheld
- Internet (on own site), Internet (social networking)
- 20 September 2017
A TV ad and tweet for Bud Light Beer:

a. A TV ad seen on 13 May 2017 featured three animated frogs togethereach repeating the words “Bud” “Light” and “Beer.” The shot then panned up to show a bar with an illuminated sign “Bud Light,” followed by on-screen tex...

View all rulings

Alcohol

Helpful information on the advertising rules for Alcohol ads, and examples of previous Advertising Standards Authority rulings in this area.

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Latest rulings

Diageo Great Britain Ltd

Pernod Ricard UK Ltd

Channel Four Television Corporation

AB InBev UK Ltd t/a Bud Light Beer

Help getting it right

Popular advice

Alcohol: Promotional marketing

Guidance on alcohol TV advertising

Alcohol: Unwise or excessive consumption

Relevant codes

18 Alcohol

19 Alcohol