Ban or no ban? Alcohol advertising transit policies in major metropolitan areas in the US

Youth alcohol consumption is a pervasive social problem with well-documented consequences, including increased risk of death from injury, engaging in risky sexual behavior, and sexual assault perpetration or victimization. The societal costs of underage drinking are significant: an estimated $62 billion in 2010. Exposure to alcohol advertising influences youth to start drinking earlier, drink more, and experience more alcohol-related problems later in life. Big Alcohol corporations are major buyers of out-of-home advertising and its subcategory, advertising on transit vehicles and stations - a global market representing billions in revenue worldwide. U.S. alcohol trade associations, dominated by big corporations, have created self-regulatory industry advertising guidelines that are voluntary, not legally binding, and lack any meaningful or formal enforcement.

We will present results from a study of alcohol advertising policies of major metropolitan transit agencies and city departments that control transit advertising in the U.S. We will also present recommendations for strengthening transit policies to protect youth from excessive exposure to alcohol advertising, and for responding to claims of economic necessity from transit and city officials. Alcohol ad revenue to transit agencies must be weighed against the significant public health and safety costs of alcohol-related harm. Local governments bear the brunt of alcohol-related public health and safety costs that may far exceed revenue generated by alcohol advertising. Alcohol advertising bans on public transit and transit-related street furniture can reduce exposure to alcohol ads for youth and their communities, without damaging agencies' bottom lines.