Alcoholic Beverage Advertising Ban

A 2013 amendment to Law No. 4250 on the Monopoly of Spirits and Alcoholic Beverages, made by Law No. 6487, prohibited advertising and promoting alcoholic beverages, organising campaigns encouraging consumption and sponsorship activities. Implementation rules are set out in the Regulation on the Procedures and Principles for the Sale and Promotion of Alcoholic Beverages.

Scope of the Ban

• Advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages in any medium,
• Encouraging use of alcoholic beverage brands, logos or distinctive signs,
• Campaigns, promotions, discounts and gifts encouraging consumption,
• Sponsorship of events, sports clubs and cultural activities with alcoholic beverage brands,
• Indirect promotion through use of alcoholic beverage brands on other products.

TV Series, Films and Music Videos

Showing alcoholic beverages in an encouraging way in TV series, films and music videos is also restricted; broadcasters blur such images.

Points of Sale

Displaying products and prices at the point of sale to inform consumers differs from promoting them in an encouraging way. Visuals aimed outside the point of sale, window displays and campaign announcements may fall within the ban.

Social Media

The ban applies regardless of medium. Showing alcoholic beverages in an encouraging way on brand accounts, in influencer collaborations and in social media advertising may fall within the ban. Social media posts by restaurants and entertainment venues require care in this respect.

Sanctions

Breaches are subject to the administrative fines in Law No. 4250; the Advertising Board may also impose sanctions under advertising legislation. Market regulation and supervision of alcoholic beverages is carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. For similar rules on tobacco, see Tobacco Advertising Ban.