Government Prohibits Alcohol Brands From Offering Prizes

Information Minister Khieu Kanharith ordered all media outlets to ban advertisements that offer prizes for buying alcohol, according to a statement from the Ministry of Information obtained yesterday. The statement, released Friday, said newspapers, television and radio stations, and magazines have until Jan 9 to implement the order. “[I]f the media agencies do not implement this order, the Information Ministry will ban the alcohol advertisements…and withdraw the license of the products,” the statement said. Alcohol brands often try to entice consumers by organizing lotteries that promise money or other prizes, such as expensive cars or home appliances.
The statement said that all alcohol advertisements must also include a warning that advises people not to drink and drive. Prime Minister Hun Sen last month rescinded the Phnom Penh municipality’s complete ban on wine and spirits advertising, but said that ads for all alcoholic beverages must include a warning not to drink and drive. “Put the sign that says, ‘If drunk, do not drive’ or ‘Drive without drinking alcohol’ below the product’s logo,” said the Information Ministry statement, which added that the lure of prizes can lead to young people binge-drinking, thus causing more traffic accidents. sam Chhaya, deputy director general of the Cambodia Television Network, said he would stop alcohol product advertisements for prizes when he receives the order from the Information Ministry. “We would respect the Information Ministry’s order to stop showing the alcohol advertisements [for prizes] on TV,” said Mr. Chhaya, adding that he had not received the order yet. Praising the announcement, Mam Sonando, Behive radio station director, said that his station already does not accept advertising from alcohol and cigarette companies. According to the Ministry of Public Work and Transport’s road and transport department, road fatalities increased by 12 percent this year. As of this week, there have been 1,731 road-related deaths compared to 1,545in all of 2010. The transport department said that 12 to 13 percent of all accidents were caused by drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol.