Make a complaint about alcohol advertising
You have two options in relation to a complaint:
- Make a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority under the Code for Alcohol Advertising and Promotion or the Alcohol Advertising and Promotion Code (for new advertisements from April 2021, all advertisements from July 2021).
- Make a complaint to the Police about a breach of Section 237 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. It is likely that you will need a high standard of evidence to make a complaint to section 237. But don't let that deter you.
Make a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority
You can make a complaint to the Advertising Standards Authority if you feel that an alcohol advertisement, promotion in New Zealand breaches the Code.
Please note that anonymous complaints are not accepted: your name must be included.
Follow the complaints process outlined on the ASA website, please click here - ASA - HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT
You can fill in the online complaint form at www.asa.co.nz, post it to PO Box 10-675, Wellington, or email [email protected].
|
If the advertisement is outdoors, take a photo of it. |
Here are some tools to help you. The first is an example of complaint letter to the ASA under the Code for Alcohol Advertising and Promotion (expires end of June 2021), the second is a template of a letter to get your started.
|
Letter Template - example of a complaint letter to the Advertising Standard Authority |
Letter Template - complaint letter to the Advertising Standard Authority |
Here are some tools to help you. The first is an example of complaint letter to the ASA under the Alcohol Advertising and Promotion Code (in effect for new advertisements from April 2021, all advertisements from July 2021), the second is a template of a letter to get your started.
|
Letter Template - example of a complaint letter to the Advertising Standard Authority |
Letter Template - complaint letter to the Advertising Standard Authority |
Keep a log of alcohol advertising complaints
It may be useful to keep a log of complaints, especially if they are in your local community.
|
Incident log of alcohol advertising - possible breaches in the community |
And here is an incident log of alcohol advertising on social and digital media like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube etc.
|
Incident log for alcohol advertising on social and digital media (Facebook etc.) |
If your complaint is about TV programming
If you are concerned about the promotion of alcohol within television programmes (not advertisements), complaints can be made to the Broadcasting Standards Authority. Click here to read the section about the BSA on our website.
If you want to take action on alcohol sponsorship in your community settings (clubs, etc.)
Many parents are concerned about their children being exposed to alcohol sponsorship in sporting settings. Many events that children attend may also be sponsored by alcohol companies.
To take action on sponsorship in sports, clubs, or public events (e.g. sporting matches, music, fashion festivals, arts and cultural events), click here.