Public ‘backs’ end to TV ban on spirits ads

More than 80 per cent of people are happy to see spirits advertised on TV, according to a survey for CIA MediaLab.

The survey also found that 76 per cent were happy to see all alcohol products – including beer, wine and liqueurs – advertised without restrictions.

The findings seem to vindicate the decision by TV contractors to give way to United Distillers and scrap the 40-year-old voluntary ban on spirits advertising, from the beginning of next month.

Advertisers of other alcoholic products have expressed worries that a public backlash against spirits ads on TV could lead to curbs on all alcohol advertising.

– The survey of 500 adults also found that 86 per cent of respondents object to any increase in the ad minutage on commercial TV. Only five per cent of respondents said they did not object.