NACADA targets influencers, advertisers in new alcohol reforms

NACADA CEO Anthony Omerikwa during launch of National policy for prevention, management and control of alcohol,drugs and substance abuse in Nairobi on July 30. [Benard Orwongo, Standard]

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has prohibited online advertising, promotion, and marketing of alcoholic products in a bid to control access, availability, and supply.

According to the National Policy for the Prevention, Management and Control of Alcohol, Drugs and Substance Abuse report released on Wednesday, July 30 the authority has stopped adverts and promotions of alcoholic drinks.

"Advertising via audio-visual platforms between 5.00 a.m. -10.00 p.m. (watershed hours) (including broadcast originating outside Kenya) shall be banned," read the report in parts.

Any form of advertisement and promotion shall not portray alcoholic content as a positive quality of a beverage.

NACADA has also prohibited the production and broadcasting of music, films, stage plays, and performances or any audio-visual programme that positively depicts and glorifies the consumption of alcohol, drugs, and substances in electronic or print media.

"There shall be no use of entertainment, sports personalities, media personalities and models, social media influencers, or celebrities in endorsing, promoting and advertising alcoholic drinks, drugs and substances," NACADA noted.

However, a person used in advertising or endorsing alcoholic drinks shall be above 25 years.

A manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler, retailer, or any related agent of alcoholic drinks is also prohibited from naming or branding a sports team by the name of an alcoholic drink's product. They shall also not sponsor or endorse a sports league, tournament, or national team.

Furthermore, advertisements must not imply that it is acceptable or fashionable to consume alcohol or substances before, during, or after playing sports, driving, operating machinery, or other activities requiring concentration.

The authority also wants to restrict the number of alcohol-selling outlets allowed to operate in a given locality based on population density and other relevant considerations. It will also place restrictions on the types of licenses they can hold.

Retail outlets' operating hours and conditions shall be regulated to ensure reduced access and availability of alcoholic drinks.

The Authority has also prescribed that the minimum size of alcohol packages shall be no less than 250ml and that advertising, promotion, and marketing of alcoholic drinks shall be banned in all learning institutions.

There shall also be no promotion of alcoholic drinks using materials associated with persons under the age of 21 years, as well as conducting advertisement, sponsorship, and marketing targeting children.

To regulate distribution, NACADA shall develop a framework that includes licensing and branding of vehicles used to distribute alcohol, and restricting the distribution of alcoholic drinks to between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.

Public officers involved in enforcement or compliance, at both national and county levels, are prohibited from owning or operating an alcohol-selling outlet either directly or through proxies.