The Samoa Government is looking to control alcohol advertising in a bill to be introduced to Parliament later this year.
Samoa Observer reports that the Chairman of the Liquor Control, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt confirmed the bill is being drafted and will include “criteria for the advertisement of alcohol”.
“New regulations and control mechanisms for the advertisements [of alcohol to be put in place] by the Liquor Board will all be in the new bill,” said Tialavea who is also Minister for Revenue and Customs.
The Alcohol Reform Report 2015/16 by the Samoa Law Reform Commission pointed out that advertising and promotion of alcohol in Samoa is not regulated by statute.
“There are no restrictions, for example, on times when advertisements of alcohol can be televised or broadcast, which often occurs at a time when minors would normally be part of the audience,” said the report.
The report was also concerned that billboards and posters advertising alcohol are sometimes located very near schools and at bus stops adjacent to schools used by primary, intermediate and college students.
Tialavea accepted public concerns regarding the adverse social impact of alcohol but steers clear of a total ban on alcohol advertising.
He said the only things they’ll be looking at is content of the advertisements.
He said there is a need to keep in mind that there cannot be any children in alcohol advertisements.
“But we do not prohibit any advertisement from the companies because they have their contribution to tax collections for the economy of Samoa.”
