Teen and youth alcohol consumption is encouraged by irresponsible advertisers

[alp12345]

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Almost everyday we see articles about alcohol drinking and related crimes by youths. This is a culture created by irresponsible advertisers for their bosses ROI but if they are charities the situation is far more complicated. There are charities promote excessive alcohol consumption in the UK but surprisingly they get away with it only because they are registered charity, however in long run they lose public trust and this can convince external stakeholders to change strategy. But what surprising is, majority think charities only do things in favour of public, although it is not the case in many circumstances.


For example International Student House known as ISH in London send unsolicited emails to those who have not subscribed to the charities' newsletter. In such emails International Student House (ISH) embed offensive images and texts which clearly encourage excessive alcohol consumption. They also use offensive words on their Blend Magazine which is given to thousands of students in many education institutions. Many student advisers in the UK raised their concerns about offensive publication by the charity ISH.


This piece is written based on marketing activities of a registered charity based in London called International Student house (ISH). One can argue that this is an isolated irresponsible marketing by this single organisation and can not be generalised. But based on common sense, there are many organisations neglecting ethics and social responsibility including International Student House (ISH). This charity organisation promotes excessive alcohol consumption according to an email confirmation by the Advertising Standard Authority (ASA) - solely based on the ad below. However the charity organisation used to promote different beers for only £1 while using celebrities' pictures without their consents according to the charity's insiders.


However the charity is still promoting cheap drinks which encourage excessive alcohol consumption and eventually lead to alcohol related crimes. Here who should be blamed? Consumers or the irresponsible seller - however this is contentious and excessive time required for in-depth discussion and analysis.


print ad


Following to complaints to the ASA regarding unsolicited emails sent by ISH, the ASA contacted the charity to clarify the public concerns; but amazingly ISH excused itself by saying all emails were mixed up and got away with their action. ASA shared their concerns regarding how consumers are targeted by this charity and advised ISH to adopt right methods of advertising; as well as making sure that they have read the advertising codes provided for free by the ASA, before considering any further advertising. The ASA also advised ISH to just and only use those email addresses which are signed up for newsletter and do not include emails of those who contact the charity for other purposes.


One can prove that ISH used the emails irresponsibly and want to take the maximum advantage from being a charity registered organisation; but it takes a long time and no one has that free time to spend. The image below appeared after the campaign ended and complaints filed to the ASA. This end of campaign encourages the recipient to take action next time for excessive alcohol consumption - cigarettes are also available at ISH through unsupervised vending machines and can be used by anyone at anytime.


the print ad after the campaign ended


International Student House (ISH) was however, forced by the City of Westminster Fair Trade Office to replace the cigarette vending machines to a place where "adults" can monitor who purchase cigarettes. However if any "adults" actually monitor them is another issue beyond the concept of this article. The City of Westminster Fair Trade Office also advised ISH to stick a warning label to remind the purchaser about the age limit of buying tobacco. But does this really change anything when the machines are unattended and placed somewhere anyone from any age group can easily access them? Clearly it is not enough as still no body checks the purchasers' ID and "managers" and no adults however monitor the machines regularly in case if they suspect the age of a purchaser to challenge them.


The government is doing everything to stop such moves but sadly such organisations like ISH cancel out the government's effort and the tax payers' money. Now there are studies going on by the London Assembly to identify reasons for drinking and ways teenagers get hold of alcohol. ISH is a prime example of promoter of such behaviour. There is also evidence available that teenagers can go the ISH Bar during the hours they serve alcohol - for data protection reasons pictures are not published.


Teenagers and youths are valued by the government but the message seems has not been got across appropriately due to stronger activities of those making their money out of teenagers and youths. Therefore teenagers and youths come to the conclusion of being undervalued by the government and strike against restrictions - which in a way favours businesses and irresponsible organisations. This calls for immediate teenagers and youths engagement to the issue. This engagement includes working on various case studies in schools even and visit to those places where teenagers and youths suffer from alcohol and tobacco consumption. It is also helpful if stages of being alcoholic and or drug addict to be shown to them.


It always starts from too little and being in thoughts of it is not going to happen to me. Prime examples are all around us but we need to look at them objectively and with a pair of analytical eyes... drinking and then having a bit of "fun"... just a fag and then a few more fags... then joint and even stronger drugs... early pregnancy, vandalism and you name it... Frankly, teenagers and youths are generally victims of irresponsible behaviour of such organisations; otherwise they are perfectly innocent and pure. Unethical marketing activities of such organisations, sabotage education and culture of youths and teenagers - what their parents, schools and the government have been investing considerable amount of time and money.


Teenagers are unfortunately victims of unethical exercises of businesses and organisations earning their living by selling alcohol and cigarette to them. The source needs to be penalised and not restricting youths and teenagers. This is because after restrictions businesses and organisations find other ways of marketing to youths; also youths look out for unacceptable ways to access the forbidden product. They need be educated about the unethical purposes of organisations such as ISH and warn them about the consequences of communications with such organisations

[alp12345]

Thanks for your contibution all. Please also add your own comments as this is all about our society in which our children are growing. Such exposures aren't good to their education and indeed makes life harder for both them and parents; let alone amont of money invested by the government to encourage ethical activities by such organisations.

[nick_idbrokers]

Personally I think irresponsible parents are using any reason to cop out of their own responsibilities, teen drinking isnt a new thing and it won't ever be completely controlled. For me it was part of a right of passage via which I learned some valuable lessons for later life about my own levels and what it took for me to loose control, oh and also that Cider, Blackcurrant and Pernod will make you violently sick everytime.

While I agree that teen drinking shouldn't be encouraged to the point where it becomes acceptable, it does concern me what the youth of today can actually get away with without being given a hard time. It should be about choice and the freedom of choice to turn into the person you will become by making the choices that will shape you as a person, just my random thoughts......

[alp12345]

Personally I think irresponsible parents are using any reason to cop out of their own responsibilities, teen drinking isnt a new thing and it won't ever be completely controlled. For me it was part of a right of passage via which I learned some valuable lessons for later life about my own levels and what it took for me to loose control, oh and also that Cider, Blackcurrant and Pernod will make you violently sick everytime.

While I agree that teen drinking shouldn't be encouraged to the point where it becomes acceptable, it does concern me what the youth of today can actually get away with without being given a hard time. It should be about choice and the freedom of choice to turn into the person you will become by making the choices that will shape you as a person, just my random thoughts......

Could you please answer the question of the poll as well? Soon I will post a short analysis of the result based on the comments and the poll itself. Therefore your honest answer (like your comment) is appreciated.

[nick_idbrokers]

Have answered the poll....sorry I didnt the first time around. To be more specific about the ad in question, I don't see anything wrong with it. Theres no "Come down to our bar and get wasted" or "Our beers cheap, so get off your face" implications in there that are our of the ordinary and I regularly see a great deal worse in bars in the center of Leeds and other major cities all the time. The nanny state is growing and its taking all the freedom of choice away from us, I am more disturbed that people take the time to complain about this run of the mill bar advert than anything else I think.
Don't get me wrong, I really REALLY don't want to encourage anyone to drink regularly to excess. Having done this myself when I was younger I fully understand all the implications of a lifestyle based around booze and drugs. If there was a safe, fun way for young people to enjoy these things without getting hurt it would be great......but there isn't and life is formed from the experiences we all go through - some good and some bad.

[alp12345]

Thanks LemonPromotions

Not at all I don't get you wrong - I totally understand where you are coming from what you mean.

Obviously I don't find the ad appropriate, this is why I wrote the article. My main concern is about who is doing this advertising - a charity.

Alcohol promotion should be in line with respect and ethical standards within the society. No one denies the fact of freedom of choice but I think we need to consider the consequences of our choices and be concerned about those organisations and promoters of alcohol who take advantage of the term freedom of choice. This way the word "control" wouldn't be misinterpreted by anyone.

Once agian thank you for voting and making your invaluable comments.

[theAdviserMe]

Sadly, this is true everywhere...I mean wherever you go...alcohol and tobacco are being promoted alongside with each other...aiming for the susceptible youth market. The strategy is to establish a good link with this crowd...so that when they get older...consumption habits are already established. And these companies have all the money to advertised in a subtle and non-subtle ways. :blush

[drivetowin]

While I accept the premise that 'no one is born evil', I don't think you can blame any one organisation for 'creating the culture' - rightly or wrongly every single one of us has contributed to creating that culture.

I would agree with Lemon Promtions that the prime area of responsibility must be the parents - sadly far too many parents these days have not the slightest idea where their children are, who they are with or what they are doing - while we as a society as a whole thanks to 'civil liberties' have deprived the police of much of their authority and ability to act.

If the police were empowered to arrest children found drinking under age, and the parents of those children forced to do 100 hours community service each time their children were arrested then maybe something would start to happen about it - but in today's nanny state that will never happen and so we are left with where we are at.

Equally some blame must lay with establishments who sell alcohol to children who are under-age - again maybe a fine not of £100 or £200 but 10% of their annual turnover would serve to focus the mind. Draconian - yes it probably is, but sooner or later our society need to face some uncomfortable truths concerning youth culture, and my fear is that it is always going to be later - the problem is the margin between later and too late is very narrow.

[Mogga]

We've had a problem with underage kids drinking on the field at the back of our place. The PCSO now reckons they're 18 and so can't touch them! She's trying to get a blanket alcohol ban for the whole ward just to make it easier to do something about them.

We did have a dispersal order for 6 months (Ok, technically we didn't as the muppet who drew up the area map missed off our streets) which meant they could move them on - but as usual so much work for them to do and so few officers.

[alp12345]

While I accept the premise that 'no one is born evil', I don't think you can blame any one organisation for 'creating the culture' - rightly or wrongly every single one of us has contributed to creating that culture.

I would agree with Lemon Promtions that the prime area of responsibility must be the parents - sadly far too many parents these days have not the slightest idea where their children are, who they are with or what they are doing - while we as a society as a whole thanks to 'civil liberties' have deprived the police of much of their authority and ability to act.

If the police were empowered to arrest children found drinking under age, and the parents of those children forced to do 100 hours community service each time their children were arrested then maybe something would start to happen about it - but in today's nanny state that will never happen and so we are left with where we are at.

Equally some blame must lay with establishments who sell alcohol to children who are under-age - again maybe a fine not of £100 or £200 but 10% of their annual turnover would serve to focus the mind. Draconian - yes it probably is, but sooner or later our society need to face some uncomfortable truths concerning youth culture, and my fear is that it is always going to be later - the problem is the margin between later and too late is very narrow.

Thanks alot for your great comment.

I agree with what you're saying - parents need to review their role. However now when they lost control and children do whatever they want we can't blame parents any more for doing nothing; because they do. This is some organisations like the charity I brought to your attention, taking advantage of this mess and encouraging our youths consume excessive alcohol.

Now I personally is the time to penalise such organisations - like the fine you mentioned and I 100% agree with it. And in the mean time go through discussion with parents and educating the youths about the consequences of following the message of alcohol promoters.

[acutts]

We've had a problem with underage kids drinking on the field at the back of our place. The PCSO now reckons they're 18 and so can't touch them! She's trying to get a blanket alcohol ban for the whole ward just to make it easier to do something about them.

We did have a dispersal order for 6 months (Ok, technically we didn't as the muppet who drew up the area map missed off our streets) which meant they could move them on - but as usual so much work for them to do and so few officers.

Out of interest, what is it that they are doing? Just drinking, or committing other crimes?

[alp12345]

Thanks to all of you guys. May I ask you to also answer the poll? - If you feel you friends in your network will be interested please invite them here and ask them to answer the poll.

Your comments are really valuable and appreciated.

Have a good day.

[Mogga]

Out of interest, what is it that they are doing? Just drinking, or committing other crimes?

Drinking. Throwing rocks at property. Screaming. Shouting. Leaving litter. Peeing on the field and up nextdoors shed. Putting window through on nextdoors shed. Damging guttering.
As well as the untaxed car one of them now drives, there's deal bags and empty rizla packets.
There's a problem with the noise when they come on and off the field. They leave tons of litter [1] and throw all sorts of stuff in the canal. One of them is a dab hand at doing graffiti too.
And I expect it won't be long before we get fireworks being lobbed about.

During one of their more drunken rampages last year 4 lads bounced up and down on various cars around the street at 2am. This year they all took turns to drive the dodgy car until it hit something and then they gave up.

The biggest problem we have is there's only a few houses affected by it so the police see it as low priority.

[1] I used to get the council to come and clear up the litter fairly regularly but the last time they filled half of one of those flat bed lorries with a cage on and they've not been back since.

On one occaision they've told me to F**k off back where I came from, cos I'm not from round here.

[kier]

What you do with your body is your own concern so I've voted that it's fine.

[Stellar]

A year or so ago I was sitting in a park with my wife and a group of teenage girls where near by. It was about 2pm and they were already drunk and drinking what looked like a bottle of vodka. They looked like they were around 13 - 14 years old. I was wondering if we should call the police when some community police turned up. They took the bottle and talked for a while with the girls. The girls were having a laugh with them and they were laughing along. Eventually they gave the vodka back to the girls and walked off!

I was shocked, so later I called the police station. Eventually a senior policeman called me back and I told him the story. He basically said "what do you want me to do about it?".
I was trying to report what I thought was totally unacceptable behaviour by the police and they didn't seem to care one little bit.

I'm sure they didn't do anything about it. :td