The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has announced a nationwide crackdown on all billboards promoting alcoholic beverages in the vicinity of schools.
In a statement on Monday, May 20, NACADA noted that there is increased promotion of alcoholic drinks and alcohol use through billboards erected near learning institutions across the country.
“This is observed to be happening, despite the law proscribing advertisements that are misleading or deceptive or that are likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social effects of the alcoholic drink,” read the statement in part.
NACADA mentioned that it will be removing all alcohol-promoting billboards erected near learning institutions in line with provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010.
“In line with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion Regulations, NACADA is under the relevant provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 coordinating with relevant stakeholders in the country to enforce measures that will remove all the billboards near learning institutions. These enforcement activities will involve all respective National and County Government authorities,” NACADA stated.
Read More
The authority pointed out that the presence of alcohol advertisements near educational institutions normalizes the consumption of alcohol and portrays it as an appealing and glamorous choice to learners.
“Schools should be secure environments that foster learning and personal growth, free from any influences that may contribute to harmful behaviors,’ the authority added.
Further, NACADA asked advertising agencies and businesses to exercise social responsibility by not erecting alcohol advertisements near learning institutions.
