Moldova: Banning Alcohol Ads (Almost)
The Government of the Republic of Moldova has approved a bill that introduces restrictions on alcohol marketing in the country, including a ban on advertising.
With the new bill, the government aims to improve the health indicators of the population, especially the younger generation.
In a press release the regulation is described, per ACCENT TV:
Any form of alcohol products advertising, including through mass media, radio and television, print media, Internet networks, telephone, telegraph, cinema and video, inside or on public transport and on postal items, is forbidden.”
However, between 10.00 p.m. and 7.00 a.m. alcohol ads arrowed to be aired on television. In another important exception weakening the overall regulation, periods of national holidays and customary events related to the production and sale of alcoholic beverages remain excluded from the advertising ban.
The level of alcohol consumption in Moldova, and associated harm is staggering. World Health Organization data shows that Moldova is among countries with highest per capita alcohol consumption in the world. Heavy episodic alcohol intake is also at a global high.
National data shows that alcohol-related morbidity in urban areas is at 88.9% for men and at 11.1% for women; while in rural areas alcohol-related morbidity for men is at 89.7% and for women at 10.3%.
The total cost of alcohol harm to Moldovan society is equivalent to 1 – 3% of the growth domestic product.
