There’s some fantastic news for anyone planning to stay dry in July! Commercial free-to-air TV networks wanted to run 800 extra hours of alcohol ads per year, but their plan has been knocked back by Australia’s media regulator.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has delivered a resounding “no” to commercial television networks who wanted to flood our screens with even more alcohol advertising during weekends, school holidays, and times when families are watching together.
For anyone trying to stay dry in July, this victory couldn’t have come at a better moment. The last thing you need when you’re going alcohol-free is constant reminders of booze splashed across your screens during family viewing time.
Community Voices Finally Heard
The community has been calling for action on alcohol advertising on our screens for years – and now, those voices have been heard loud and clear.
ACMA has decided not to register the revised Commercial TV Industry Code of Practice after recognising it would not adequately protect the community. The numbers speak for themselves – 90% of Australians were concerned about this proposal that would have targeted times when children are most likely to be watching.
The Dalgarno Institute was part of a community of practice led by Alcohol Change Australia and FARE on this win where alcohol ads rejected Australia-wide, and the collective pushback has paid off – making it just a little bit easier to stay dry in July.
Alcohol Ad Push Backfire
This wasn’t just about more ads – it was about protecting families during the times that matter most. The TV networks’ proposal would have extended alcohol advertising into weekend daytime hours, school holidays and public holidays, right when parents and kids are settling in to watch TV together.
Even more concerning, this push for more alcohol advertising came after the Australian Government’s own expert panel on domestic violence specifically recommended restricting alcohol advertising during sporting events, noting the documented spike in family violence incidents during major games.
The TV networks’ proposal demonstrated they were out of step with community expectations and completely disregarded the advice provided by the expert panel.
Actor and Survivor-Advocate Kym Valentine didn’t hold back: “Now they need to focus on ensuring the Code reflects recommendations made by the Australian Government’s Rapid Review panel on prevention approaches to end family and domestic violence.”
A Double Win
But ACMA didn’t stop at just rejecting this proposal. In further good news, they’ve announced they’ll revisit restrictions on alcohol advertising in the current code, including the loophole that currently allows alcohol ads to flood our screens during sports broadcasts.
This decision where alcohol ads rejected Australia-wide represents a significant policy shift that will benefit everyone trying to stay dry in July and beyond.
FARE CEO Ayla Chorley captured the moment perfectly: “ACMA has exercised its role as an independent regulator and put the safety and wellbeing of the community first.”
Professor Elizabeth Handsley from Children & Media Australia put it simply: “Every child has the right to grow up in a safe media environment.”
Making It Easier to Stay Dry in July
For everyone choosing to stay dry in July, this victory represents something bigger than policy change – it’s proof that when communities stand together, they can push back against corporate interests that don’t have public wellbeing at heart.
This outcome provides practical help for anyone trying to stay dry in July by reducing the environmental triggers that can make avoiding alcohol more challenging. Research consistently shows that exposure to alcohol marketing influences drinking behaviour, so having fewer ads during family viewing time is genuine support for anyone going alcohol-free.
It might seem like a small step, but every barrier removed from the path to healthier choices matters. Right now, as people across Australia commit to going alcohol-free for the month, having fewer temptations thrust in front of them during family time feels like a win worth celebrating.
Making July Alcohol-Free Just Got Easier
While this policy victory helps create a more supportive environment, anyone planning to stay dry in July can also:
- Connect with others making similar choices through online communities
- Find alternative activities for social situations that typically involve drinking
- Focus on the health and financial benefits of going alcohol-free
- Celebrate policy wins like this that make the journey easier
The fight for better protections continues, but for now, those choosing to stay dry in July can tune in with just a little less worry about what might flash across their screens. Sometimes the best support for staying alcohol-free comes from what you don’t see – and that’s exactly what this community victory has delivered.
This decision where alcohol ads rejected Australia-wide proves that community advocacy works, and it’s creating a more supportive environment for everyone choosing to live alcohol-free, whether for a month or longer.
When you’re working to stay dry in July, every bit of support helps – including the kind that comes from fewer alcohol ads interrupting your evening TV time.
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