Mykola Tomenko: Public demands that the TV Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages and Beer be restricted
Mykola Tomenko, Deputy Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, discussed enhancement of advertising legislation and strengthening of responsibility for its violation with Volodymyr Manzhosov, Head of the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting, and Oleh Povolotskyi, Head of the State Committee of Technical Regulation and Consumer Policy. Thus, two groups of violations were singled out: actual restoration of direct advertising of liquors, which is prohibited by the law, and aggressive low-quality advertising of beer.
M.Tomenko declared his intention to demand scrutiny of his bill "On Amendments to the Law of Ukraine "On Advertising" (re Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages and Beer)" (Reg. No. 1014-2). The bill prohibits direct radio and TV advertising of alcoholic beverages and beer before 24.00, and bans sponsorship of TV and radio programs, theatrical performances and concerts, sports and other events with the use of trademarks of tobacco goods and alcoholic beverages (only trademarks of breweries shall be used by the sponsorship of concert and sports events).
The attendants also mentioned mass violations of the rules of sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco goods by the companies, trade organizations and public catering enterprises.
The participants of the meeting resolved to hold a council with the involvement of the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting, the State Committee of Technical Regulation and Consumer Policy, the People´s Deputies and the heads of TV and radio broadcasting organizations to reinforce the necessity of observing the effective legislation on advertising and sale of alcoholic beverages and tobacco goods.