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The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has ordered the removal of billboards promoting alcoholic drinks near learning institutions.
In a statement, Nacada decried the increased promotion of alcoholic drinks and alcohol use through billboards erected near learning institutions across the country which is a blatant breach of the laws.
“This is observed to be happening, despite the law proscribing advertisements that are misleading or deceptive or that are likely to create an erroneous impression about the characteristics, health effects, health hazards, or social effects of the alcoholic drink. Nacada CEO Anthony Omweikwa said.
“Exposure to outdoor alcohol advertising around schools is associated with youth intentions to use alcohol noting that the current age of initiation to alcohol use in the country is seven years” he stated.
Consequently, the agency has vowed to enforce the laws to secure school environments to foster learning and personal growth.
The operation will involve all respective National and County Government authorities.
“In line with the Alcoholic Drinks Promotion Regulations, NACADA is under the relevant provisions of the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 coordinating with relevant stakeholders in the country to enforce measures that will remove all the billboards near learning institutions” Omweika explained.
He regretted that the presence of the billborads undermines their efforts against the vice by normalising the consumption of alcohol and portraying it as an appealing and glamorous choice.
At the same time, he called on advertising agencies and businesses to exercise social responsibility.
“By doing so, they can help protect youth from the negative impacts of alcohol marketing and support their journey towards healthy and productive futures. free from any influences that may contribute to harmful behaviours” he noted.