Abstract:
This discussion focuses on the issue of advertising alcohol on television. It first provides a look back into the history of the controversies that have surrounded alcohol since the 1800's. This history explores the rise and fall of prohibition and discusses legislation that has both passed and failed over the years. The alcohol debates are then divided into two categories, hard liquor and beer. The discussion of liquor focuses on the debate that has ensued following the industry's lifting of its 50-year voluntary ban on television advertising. The discussion that focuses on the beer and wine industries takes a look at arguments that have risen concerning advertising by these industries since the beginning of the 1990's. It also explores the possible effects that liquor's move onto television could have on the beer and wine industries as well as what effects advertising restrictions placed on brewers would have on the economy and the general public. Finally, the discussion looks at what lies ahead for alcohol and its battle for a place on the airwaves.
