Spirits companies join rush to get TV ad scripts passed

Spirits manufacturers have rushed to submit scripts for television advertisements after the Broadcast Advertising Clearance Centre confirmed it will consider “any proposals for television advertising of spirits”.

The BACC last week circulated a memo to agencies, saying it was considering a TV ad script – widely believed to be for Bell’s whisky. Since then, the centre confirms it has received “more than one” script from other prospective advertisers.

BACC says sections of its Notes of Guidance relating to the prohibition on spirits advertising will cease to apply from June 1. But other ITC guidelines on advertising alcohol will apply.

The clearance organisation held a meeting yesterday (Tuesday) to discuss the scripts, and is already giving feedback to spirits manufacturers.