#USA #San Rafael #Super Bowl #Underage Drinking #Alcohol Justice

Alcohol Justice Condemns Alcohol Ads During Super Bowl LIX

In a bold statement on February 6, 2025, Alcohol Justice has declared its firm opposition to the exposure of roughly 30 million minors to alcohol advertisements during Super Bowl LIX, broadcast from New Orleans. The organization emphasizes the detrimental impact of such marketing, asserting that it encourages early drinking among youth and poses significant health risks.

Cruz Avila, the executive director of Alcohol Justice, remarked, "It is extremely concerning that alcohol companies exploit major sporting events like the Super Bowl to promote their products to an impressionable audience." He further stated, "This targeted advertising endangers the health and safety of our youth while undermining public health efforts aimed at curbing underage drinking and overall harmful alcohol consumption."

Research has shown that exposure to alcohol advertisements increases the likelihood of adolescents starting to drink or drinking more if they already do. The pervasive nature of these ads during high-profile events normalizes alcohol consumption and aligns it with the excitement of sports, making it particularly alluring and dangerous for younger viewers as well as those struggling with substance use disorders.

Michael Scippa, the Public Relations Director at Alcohol Justice, added, "The association of alcohol with sports perpetuates the dangerous narrative that drinking is essential to enjoy sporting events. This narrative misleads young viewers while fostering a culture where alcohol consumption is not just accepted but celebrated."

In response to this alarming situation, Alcohol Justice is calling for stricter regulations on alcohol advertising during events with substantial young audiences. The organization advocates for policies that limit exposure to alcohol marketing for underage viewers, suggesting restrictions on these advertisements during televised sporting events and a prohibition on sponsorships associating alcohol brands with sports teams, celebrities, or events.

Avila concluded by stating, "Protecting our youth and other vulnerable spectators from the harmful effects of alcohol is a collective responsibility. We urge policymakers, broadcasters, and the alcohol industry to 'Free Our Sports' from alcohol advertising and prioritize welfare over profits by implementing measures that prevent exposure to alcohol marketing, especially among underage individuals."

Alcohol Justice, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to preventing alcohol and drug-related harms through evidence-based advocacy and community organizing. For more information about Alcohol Justice's projects, campaigns, and advocacy efforts, visit www.alcoholjustice.org.

Contact:
Michael Scippa
Phone: 415-847-3006