Alcohol Advertising Myths That Are Often Presented As Facts

Alcohol is one of those things that is often surrounded by controversy. Sometimes it is referred to as poison and other times as drugs. These claims are false as you know it, but they are also statements often made by people who are ignorant and spread information that are not based on facts but rather on rumors. We have been covering other topics such as drunk driving awareness, legal drinking age in different countries, facts on college students and alcohol among other things.

Today once again, we would like to move from the subject of cognac and discuss alcohol in general. Below you will find four alcohol advertising myths with real facts.

Alcohol Advertising Myth #1

By the time kids are 18, they will have seen 100,000 beer ads

Fact : Oregon’s first lady, Mary Oberst, spoke about this, feeding a myth that strikes fear into the hearts of every parent. The myth, that the average young American will have seen 100,000 commercials for beer between the ages of 2 and 18, defies logic but still won’t go away. For this statement to be true, a child would have to see an average of more than 17 beer commercials per day. Despite being possible, this is highly unlikely and goes against common sense.

Alcohol Advertising Myth #2

Alcohol advertising increases alcohol consumption

Fact : A study by Dr. John P. Nelson of Pennsylvania State University and Dr. Douglas J. Young of Montana State University shows that alcohol advertising does not have an effect on alcohol consumption. The results of this study are consistent with the findings of virtually all other research that has been done on this subject. As much sense as it might seem to make, it is the consensus among researchers that this myth is just that: a myth.

Alcohol Advertising Myth #3

Alcohol advertising is aimed at underaged children

Fact : In a report the Federal Trade Commission gave to Congress, they stated that their investigation “found no evidence of targeting underage consumers.” The Roper Youth Report discovered that 71% of youth say their parents most influence their decisions to drink or not drink. Also found by the Roper studies was that the proportion of youth who feel that alcohol ads influenced their drinking decisions has barely changed. Over time, it has ranged from 2% to 5%. All research points to alcohol advertising being aimed at adults.

Alcohol Advertising Myth #4

Alcohol producers advertise to get people to drink more

Fact : Alcohol producers know that their advertising doesn’t increase consumption of their products. They are privy to the research that shows that there is no increase. Makers of alcoholic beverages advertise to increase their market share and promote their brand. Alcohol producers put the focus on their brand’s qualities, such as taste, flavor, variety, etc. to encourage consumers to choose their brand over that of their competitors. While no one in the alcohol industry is going to turn away a new customer, their main focus isn’t on “recruiting” new consumers. It’s on getting more customer loyalty than the competition.

In a society where information is passed along so easily and freely, it can be difficult to figure out whether something is fact or fiction. The best practice is to not believe everything you hear until and unless it’s corroborated by a trustworthy source. If it isn’t backed up, then it’s just a rumor.

Check out other alcohol myths

source : 1 , 2, 3, 4

Related posts:

1. 10 Alcohol Myths That Are Nothing But Old Wives’ Tale
2. Drinking Alcohol (in moderation) Is Good For You, Here’s Why
3. Alcohol : Industry Facts, Fun facts and Other Information
4. 40 Facts Related To Alcohol
5. Price Of Alcohol May Soon Increase by 2%

9 Responses to “Alcohol Advertising Myths That Are Often Presented As Facts”

1. randy says:

   September 11, 2009 at 10:46 pm

   So alcohol isn’t a drug? Really? It doesn’t screw up your ability to drive? If you are going to talk about untrue myths, it could be vital for you actually research the topic you are writing about and actually be truthful and honest about it. Water is not a drug, alcohol IS. It is an intoxicant.
   infact here are a couple definitions of alcohol.
   A couple of definitions of the word drug
   1. A chemical substance, such as a narcotic or hallucinogen, that affects the central nervous system, causing changes in behavior and often addiction.
   2. a substance other than food intended to affect the structure or function of the body
   3. a chemical substance that affects the processes of the mind or body.
   4. a substance used recreationally for its effects on the central nervous system

   So, you’re saying that alcohol doesn’t do any of that? And really, by saying alcohol doesn’t do any of that, you call into question your entire article as a dishonest waste of reading time.
2. Sheila Joyce Gibbs says:

   September 11, 2009 at 11:01 pm

   Gee, what are you trying to convey to society…could it be that Alcohol is okay ?
   Well, perhaps you need to have a good look at medical history for oh..even just the last 3 yrs would do it…

   Currently there are 5, that’s FIVE silent severe health afflictions carried solely by moderate, again that’s MODERATE alcohol consumption okay… There are no cure’s, nor any forewarning signs.

   Oh ya, also have a look at the USA University Survey done this February, which resulted in 7.3 Million, yup, that’s MILLION students admitted to daily consumption of alcohol…now, what do ya think the truth really is, hmmm ?

   You people need to be extremely careful what you place on the Internet, as there are many innocent eyes that read & unfortunately remember this sort of tripe, yup, that’s TRIPE aka: utter bunkum, rubbish & nonsense… And unfortunately, I’m rather sure my words will go in one of your ears AND straight out the other…

   May God have mercy on us all !
3. mike says:

   September 12, 2009 at 1:43 am

   if alcohol isnt a drug then weed is a healthy nutrient
4. admin says:

   September 13, 2009 at 5:03 pm

   Thanks for your comments. We are not trying to convey anything to the society. We are just trying to convey facts and deter people from rumors. If alcohol is considered a drug then it would be safe to say food is a drug too. Excess eating causes obesity in people which can have many effects. But food isn’t a drug is it? The key is moderation. Anything in moderation can be good and the only reason we brought this subject up in this article is to defy myths and support facts. Just cause someone doesn’t approve of something doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Those are our opinion and of course we are all entitled to our own opinions.
5. Amy says:

   September 15, 2009 at 2:59 pm

   I don’t think alcohol advertising increases drinking in kids at all. I think its american society that is so anti drinking, that makes drinking more appealling to children. Kids are always going to want what is “bad”. If you take Europe for example, parents are more lenient then Americans and their children are not as likely to die or lose control from drinking so much when they finally turn of age.

   I also don’t think its fair to blame alcohol for drinking and driving. We are so lenient on drinkers who drive. I believe in 2nd chances but i don’t think the law should allow people to get 3rd DUIs. How hard is it to pull their license for life after the second. People who drink and drive obviously have no respect for human life or any common sense.
6. Amy says:

   September 15, 2009 at 3:02 pm

   Oh and Alcohol is considered a drug. We all learn that in highschool. Could be propaganda to get us not to drink but if you look at the definition, it is. So is Ibuprofin. I’m not saying those things should be banned, i’m just saying, it is defined as a drug.
7. 20 Alcohol Advertisements That Define “Old School” – Part II | COGNAC Your Guide To The Finest Drinks says:

   December 4, 2009 at 6:32 am

   [...] true (if you would like to see some of the myths surrounding alcohol advertisements, please read Alcohol Advertising Myths That Aren’t True). Anyway, whether or not you agree with the fact, let’s take a moment and look at alcohol ads [...]
8. Chris Sandy says:

   December 14, 2009 at 4:10 pm

   Unfortunately, I made a horrible choice on April 11, 2000. I was 22 and at a party. I chose to get in my car and drive drunk. The results were horrific and now two wonderful human beings are no longer on this earth.
   I have been on a mission to prevent others from making the same choice I made. I have been telling my story to young people for the last 6 years in Georia. While in Prison, I spoke to 130,000 students about my horrific choice and lifelong consequences. Now I have been given permission to travel nationwide and educate people about the consequences of Impaired Driving. You can view more information about me at http://www.chadfoster.com and simply click on ‘other projects’.
   There has been a documentary done about my story and it won two emmys. That information is on the website as well.
   Please let me know if I can heip you with you messages.
   Chris
9. The Best Of Cognac.com In 2009 | COGNAC Your Guide To The Finest Drinks says:

   December 29, 2009 at 8:11 am

   [...] Alcohol Advertising Myths That Are Often Presented as Facts [...]