In response to the overwhelming presence of alcohol advertisements in the Paris metro, particularly near schools, several French health and family organizations have taken a stand. France Assos Santé, the Ligue contre le cancer, the Union nationale des associations familiales (Unaf), the Fédération nationale des amis de la santé (FNAS), and the association Entraid’addict have filed a lawsuit against the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP). The aim is clear: to protect minors from the constant bombardment of alcohol advertisements.
The lawsuit highlights the irony of placing alcohol advertisements in areas heavily frequented by children, adolescents, and young adults. Imagine the public outcry if beer and vodka stalls were set up next to schools. Although this extreme scenario hasn’t happened yet, the organizations argue that the reality isn’t far off. The pervasive 4×4 meter alcohol ads on the walls of the Paris metro subtly encourage public drinking, portraying alcohol consumption as a normal, festive activity.
The organizations emphasize that no area is off-limits for these ads, even those close to schools. The only preventive message, “Alcohol is dangerous for health,” is often obscured by metro seats and is further diluted by the non-regulatory addition of “Consume in moderation.” This minimal disclaimer is hardly visible and ineffective, particularly for impressionable young commuters.
A public health absurdity
France Assos Santé and its partners are adamant that this public health absurdity must end. They aim to stop the flow of alcohol advertisements that minors encounter on their daily commutes. This campaign aligns with the government’s commitment to prioritize prevention for sustained public health.
The organizations have filed a complaint against the RATP for “direct provocation to the consumption of alcohol towards minors,” a legal violation. They cite national and international studies that show a clear link between young people’s exposure to alcohol advertising and their consumption. They also point to the staggering statistics: 41,000 alcohol-related deaths annually in France, making alcohol the second leading cause of premature death from cancer, cardiovascular, or digestive diseases, with significant socio-economic costs.
Public support and government inaction
The French public appears to support stricter measures. According to a December 2023 Toluna-Harris survey for France Assos Santé, 89% of French people favour banning alcohol advertisements near schools, and 77% support banning them in public spaces altogether.
Despite this public sentiment and a previous open letter to Jean Castex, former Prime Minister and current RATP CEO, which went unanswered, the organizations continue their legal battle. They seek to protect the youth of Île-de-France and beyond from the pervasive promotion of alcohol.
Educational campaign and expert insights
The complaint is supported by a comprehensive dossier that includes figures, reports, testimonies, and expert opinions. Guylaine Benech, author of “Sa première cuite,” and Karine Gallopel-Morvan, a marketing and lobbying strategies specialist, provide insights into how alcohol advertisements target young people. They explain how ads for products like Vodka Poliakov, Captain Morgan, and Ricard are crafted to appeal to adolescents by associating alcohol with fun, adventure, and even gaming culture.
Call for a policy change
In conclusion, the coalition of France Assos Santé, the Ligue contre le cancer, the Unaf, the FNAS, and Entraid’addict are urging the RATP to create a safer environment for minors. They argue that the current state of advertising in public transportation undermines public health efforts and exposes young people to harmful influences. The organizations demand an end to alcohol advertisements in public spaces, especially near schools, to prevent normalizing alcohol consumption among the youth.
Find more from France Assos Santé (France, June 2024)
Alcohol Awareness 