Beer Institute refutes CSPI report linking advertising and alcohol abuse

Modern Brewery Age, July 17, 1995

"CSPI has once again captured media attention at the expense of the truth," the Beer Institute states, "but they cannot hide from the facts, and the facts show that advertising has no impact on alcohol abuse in any way."

The Institute notes that the greatest decline in alcohol abuse began in the early '80s, when industry advertising was on an upward trend.

In addition, the Institute notes:

Government-backed research has established that alcohol advertising does not cause abusive consumption or illegal underage drinking. This finding is supported by Federal Trade Commission studies, in reports published by the Department of Health and Human Services, and in hearings in both Houses of Congress.

The brewing industry has spent over $200 million in the past decade on research, awareness and prevention programs in communities nationwide.

Beer advertising has not declined by the 41 percent claimed by this study. CSPI statistics do not take into account the shift of advertising dollars from traditional national outlets, such as network TV and radio, to cable, spot and regional buys, as well as event marketing.

The 1986-1993 time period cited in the CSPI report saw both increases and decreases in advertising, on a year-to-year basis.

All alcohol abuse indicators - ranging from drunk driving fatalities to underage drinking - have remained on a steady decline since the early 1980s.

According to the Institute, "declines in alcohol abuse are due to the brewers' commitment as well as joint efforts with individuals and community and business leaders across the country."