In the latest “Explain This!” episode by Boston University, the podcast discusses whether alcohol advertisements contribute to underage drinking. David Jernigan, a professor at the Boston University School of Public Health, discusses the persuasive tactics employed by the alcohol industry to boost their product sales, highlighting the potential dangers these ads pose to children. Jernigan emphasizes that the primary aim of these companies is profit, often at the expense of public health, noting the significant revenue generated from underage drinking and the aggressive marketing strategies that target both genders differently. He criticizes the lack of regulation around alcohol marketing and the insufficient public health measures to combat the impact of alcohol on society, including its role in numerous deaths and injuries annually.

Jernigan advocates for stronger control measures, including restrictions on alcohol advertising, to diminish its appeal, particularly to underage consumers. He stresses the importance of setting “guardrails” on alcohol sales, pricing, and marketing to mitigate its societal harm. The discussion also touches on the impact of alcohol on youth, mentioning the decline in youth drinking rates while pointing out the persistent risks associated with early alcohol consumption. The episode concludes with a call for more informed public discourse on alcohol policy, underlining counter-marketing efforts and better regulation to protect vulnerable populations from the industry’s profit-driven motives.

Find more about the Explain This podcast (USA, April 2024)