Sections 15 and 16 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act have come into operation (12 November), restricting alcohol advertising during certain events. 

The move was welcomed by the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan.

Under section 15, alcohol advertising “in or on a sports area” during a sporting event is prohibited.

Alcohol advertising at an event that is aimed particularly at children is also prohibited. Section 16 prohibits sponsorship that promotes alcohol at events aimed at children, and events that involve driving or racing motor vehicles.

Minister Donnelly said: “The restrictions on alcohol advertising and sponsorship in relation to certain events are designed to protect our children from exposure to alcohol marketing as part of their everyday lives. They will also limit the association of alcohol consumption with sporting activities and motoring events.” 

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Minister Feighan said: "The evidence from research consistently shows that exposure to alcohol advertising is associated with an increased likelihood that children will start to drink alcohol or will drink greater quantities if they already do.

“Alcohol consumption can have serious consequences for our young people, and particularly for their development, so I welcome the contribution that these measures will make to ensuring that our children can have the best possible start in life.”