Noting that a number of “alcoholic spirits and beverages” are being marketed beneath the guise of “music CDs, club sodas and packaged drinking water”, the Center has directed the International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI) to take care of its violators. warned for. Guidelines on deceptive commercials with “iron hand” or it’ll refer such circumstances to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for “suitable stern action” in opposition to the violators.
According to sources, Consumer Affairs Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh has given this info to ISWAI CEO Neeta Kapoor.
“It has been observed that many alcoholic spirits and beverages are being advertised under the guise of music CDs, club soda and packaged drinking water, while chewing tobacco and gutkha have veiled fennel and cardamom. In addition, many such brands are hiring prominent personalities for advertising which among others adds to the negative impact on influential youth,” Singh mentioned in a letter to Kapoor.
Singh requested them to make sure compliance with the Guidelines for Prevention of Deceptive Ads and Support for Deceptive Ads, 2022. These tips had been issued by the CCPA in June this 12 months.
“In addition, there are instances of direct advertising of alcoholic beverages on social media platforms as well. It is pertinent to note here that the above guidelines apply to a manufacturer, service provider or trader whose goods, product or service is the subject of an advertisement, or to an advertising agency or endorser whose service is the subject of such advertisement. is taken for goods, products or services, regardless of the form, format or medium of advertisement,” Singh mentioned within the letter dated August 31.
“Therefore, in view of the above, you might be directed to advise the involved events to make sure strict compliance of the rules and take care of the violators and in any other case we will be certain to refer such issues to the CCPA. Appropriate stern motion in opposition to the violators,” Singh mentioned.
Meanwhile, the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution issued an announcement on Wednesday saying that the Department of Consumer Affairs has “directed” the Advertising Association of India, Indian Broadcasting Foundation, Broadcasting Content Complaints Council, News Broadcasters and Digital Association to Is. , Advertising Standards Council of India, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Confederation of Indian Industry, ASSOCHAM, International Spirits and Wine Association of India, and Indian Society of Advertisers to make sure “strict compliance”. Guidelines for the prevention of deceptive and surrogate commercials.
“The department has stated that it has been observed that these guidelines are not being strictly followed by the concerned entities and banned goods are still being advertised through surrogate goods and services,” the assertion mentioned. Several examples of such surrogate commercials had been seen on tv globally.
“The department also cautioned the advertisers’ associations that in case of failure to ensure strict compliance of the guidelines by the concerned parties, the CCPA will have to take over the reins and take appropriate action against the violators,” the assertion mentioned.
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“Several instances of direct advertising of alcoholic beverages on social media platforms were also noticed by the department,” the assertion mentioned.
“Relevantly, the Guidelines apply to a producer, service supplier or dealer whose items, services or products is the topic of an commercial, or an promoting company or endorser whose service is availed of for promoting such items, services or products. is taken, regardless of the shape, format or medium of commercial,” it mentioned.
In accordance with the rules, bypassing such prohibition or restriction and portraying it as an commercial of different items or companies, no surrogate commercial or oblique commercial shall be made for such items or companies, the commercial of which is in any other case prohibited or permitted by legislation. is restricted. which isn’t prohibited or restricted by legislation.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
