Society attacks beer advt

Press, 19 June 1986, Page 28

Society attacks beer advt

PAPalmerston North A full-page advertisement carried by newspapers throughout New Zealand has been attacked by the Manawatu Society on Alcohol and Drug Use.

The advertisement — “Every drop you sink, helps sink the Aussies” — promotes Steinlager as the official beer of New Zealand’s America’s Cup challenge. Three cents from every can sold before the end of the challenge, early next year, is being given to the New Zealand entrants. The society took out its own full-page advertisement in the “Evening Standard” newspaper pointing out the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption and questioning the motives of the Steinlager manufacturers. “Sinking an Aussie sinks a Kiwi,” says the responding advertisement. “Drinking, more beer for the America’s Cup can sink a Kiwi on the road,

sink a Kiwi by violence or crime, pour a Kiwi family down the sink.”

The society’s full-time prevention worker, Mrs Fran Manahi, spent more than $lOOO placing her advertisement, but she thinks the money was well used. She believes the interest created will make people more aware of liquor advertising. “I don’t believe any cause, however good, can be promoted by encouraging people to drink alcohol — whether it is the America’s Cup challenger or the starving in Africa,” Mrs Manahi said. But she doubts whether her effort will have any effect on beer sales. “It was more to draw attention to the code of ethics relating to advertising alcohol,” she said.

“There is no Government body that actually controls alcohol advertising, only a voluntary code.”