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

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK
- Not upheld
- Television
- 06 January 2021
A TV ad for whisky did not link alcohol with sexual activity and did not breach the BCAP Code.
BrewDog plc
- Upheld in part
- National newspaper (paid ad)
- 18 November 2020
Poster and press ads for BrewDog beer broke the rules on offence by using a reference to an expletive in media targeted to a general audience. The same ad appearing in targeted magazines did not break the rules.
Beer52 Ltd
- Upheld
- Email
- 16 September 2020
A website ad for a beer subscription service made misleading claims about a discount offer.
Global Brands Ltd
- Not upheld
- Internet (social networking)
- 02 September 2020
An Instagram post promoting a VK drink did not inappropriately target children.

View all rulings

Alcohol

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

Latest news

Updating the ad rules on alcohol

Alcohol Awareness Week 2020 - Alcohol and mental health

Treating mental health responsibly

Whatever you do, don’t fall asleep… when creating Halloween and Bonfire Night themed ads

Children’s exposure to TV ads for gambling and alcohol: a 2019 update

Avoiding pour decisions when advertising alcohol

Latest rulings

Edrington-Beam Suntory UK

BrewDog plc

Beer52 Ltd

Global Brands Ltd

Help getting it right

Popular advice

Alcohol: Promotional marketing

Guidance on alcohol TV advertising

Age-restricted ads online

Relevant codes

18 Alcohol

19 Alcohol