Alcohol and Energy Drink Advertising Finally Regulated for Children

The decision has finally been made to regulate the advertising of energy drinks and alcoholic beverages for those under 18 years of age. This decision provides the opportunity to shield children from harmful and dangerous phenomena.

According to this decision, the advertising of alcoholic beverages and energy drinks is prohibited in audiovisual media intended for children and adolescents, in printed publications aimed at minors, as well as within children's, educational, medical, cultural, and sports organizations and institutions, their territories, historical and cultural sites, and recreational and entertainment centers designated for individuals under 18 years old, and within public catering facilities.

Additionally, in the case of energy drink advertising, the following restrictions apply:

• It is prohibited to suggest that the energy drink has therapeutic, stimulating, relaxing, and tension-relieving properties.
• It is prohibited to encourage consumers to use the energy drink, provide evaluative explanations regarding moderate use or abstention.
• It is prohibited to create the impression that energy drinks are used to participate in sports competitions and achieve success or for hydrating after exertion with the aim of maintaining or enhancing health.
• It is prohibited not to warn about the negative consequences of excessive consumption of energy drinks, including the text required by point “a” above.
• It is prohibited to imply that consuming energy drinks is essential for achieving an attractive physique, reaching social success, or gaining attractiveness.
• It is prohibited to create the impression that energy drinks are used in conjunction with alcoholic beverages.
• It is prohibited to portray individuals under 25 years old.
• Advertisements that do not include the clear and legible disclaimer “Not recommended for children under 18 years, during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, and for individuals suffering from heightened nervous excitement, insomnia, or arterial hypertension” are also banned.

The amendments to the “Law on Advertising” came into effect on August 14 of this year.