End of the Line for Alcohol Advertising on Public Transit
NEW YORK, Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Marin Institute, the national alcohol industry watchdog group, joined New York State Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn), a group of students from Hunter College, City University of New York, and Bruce Carmel of the Brooklyn youth development nonprofit, Turning Point, at a news conference today on the steps of New York City Hall. They came together to release a new report and demand an end to alcohol advertising on New York’s public transit systems.
“New York City is a world class city and a leader in so many ways; but when it comes to protecting its youth from being targeted by the alcohol industry, the Big Apple is falling behind,” said Michele Simon, research and policy director at Marin Institute.
“Our public transit systems are not the appropriate places for alcohol or tobacco products to be displayed,” stated Ortiz. “Young people and teens travel these systems regularly and we know that they are negatively affected by these images.” Mr. Ortiz introduced two bills in Albany to outlaw alcohol and tobacco ads on New York mass transit facilities. The legislation also imposes fines against advertising companies who violate the new policy.
California-based Marin Institute’s new national report, entitled ‘The End of the Line for Alcohol Ads on Public Transit’, documents how in the midst of an epidemic of underage drinking, astronomical costs of alcoholism, and a chronically under-funded health care system fueled by alcohol-related problems, New York, Boston, and other public transit systems still allow public advertising of alcohol. “The connection between youth exposure to alcohol ads and underage drinking is well documented,” Simon said. “New York and Boston should join Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Seattle, and many others in saying no to alcohol ads on public transit, it’s legally possible, and commonsense policy.”
“Millions of New Yorkers under the age of 21 are exposed to alcohol advertisements every time they take a subway,” said Nicholas Freudenberg, DrPH, Hunter College. “By allowing the alcohol industry to advertise on New York City subways and busses, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) contributes to underage and problem drinking and imposes health burdens on New York City residents and additional costs on New York City tax payers.” Professor Freudenberg and Hunter College students conducted a survey of the NYC transit system last summer that lead to the release of ‘Alcohol Advertisements Flood New York City’ Subway System, a Report of the Corporations and Health Watch Project.
“We have a responsibility to protect vulnerable populations from exposure to harmful images regarding alcohol and tobacco,” added Ortiz. “Underage use of these substances is not OK. We don’t need alcohol and tobacco companies advertising attractive and appealing lifestyles to our youth.”
To read the full reports and bill text, visit: http://www.marininstitute.org/.
Contact: Michael Scippa 415/548-0492 Sara Jacobs 718/492-6334 Tobey Zimber 518/455-3821 Pete Ratajczak 415/257-2488 Gilberto Leon 415/257-2491
Marin Institute
CONTACT: Michael Scippa, +1-415-548-0492, or Sara Jacobs,+1-718-492-6334, or Tobey Zimber, +1-518-455-3821, or Pete Ratajczak,+1-415-257-2488, or Gilberto Leon, +1-415-257-2491, all of Marin Institute
Web site: http://marininstitute.org/