Ban Alcohol Advertising on Television, Radio & Online

I'm writing to propose and ask for a bill that would be similar to the 1970 'Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act' signed by President Richard Nixon, that would Ban Alcohol Advertising on Television, Radio and on online markets. In 1977, the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement was put into place to further restrict Big Tobacco. This agreement further banned advertisements to billboards, outdoor public transportation advertising within 46 states. Further in 2010, 'The Family Smoking Prevention & Tobacco Control Act' now prevents tobacco from sponsoring sports, music, cultural events and bards. This includes placement of it's logos on T-shirts, hats or other apparel.

Studies into the impact of alcohol advertising around the world found that marketing practices often seemed to breach the industry's own voluntary codes of practice, which in any case are not sufficient to protect children.

To date France, Norway, Russia, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Kenya have Banned Alcohol Advertising (Television and Radio).

"The consequences of excessive alcohol use are severe in New Mexico. New Mexico's total alcohol-related death rate has ranked first, second, or third in the US since 1981; and 1st for the period 1997 through 2010 (the most recent year for which state comparison data are available). The negative consequences of excessive alcohol use in New Mexico are not limited to death but also include domestic violence, crime, poverty, and unemployment, as well as chronic liver disease, motor vehicle crash and other injuries, mental illness, and a variety of other medical problems. Nationally, one in ten deaths among working age adults (age 20-64) is attributable to alcohol. In New Mexico this ratio is one in six deaths." (https://ibis.health.state.nm.us/indicator/view/AlcoholRelatedDth.Year.NM_US.html)

I am half Navajo and a recovering alcoholic myself. Personally, I have seen the devastation and deadly effects of the awful disease that is alcoholism. Especially in our glorious state of New Mexico. Our state is well-known to have the highest DWI rates and consumption. Notably being Native American, I'm aware of the susceptible nature that alcohol falls on the people in our area and Native Americans are a very large demographic here. I have past experience working for local politicians and working to improve my area especially if it is for the betterment of my community. I studied Criminology and Political Science at the University of New Mexico and would like nothing more than to see those around me not influenced by alcohol ads online, on TV or on billboards. The growing mentality that is "you deserve a cold one" or songs that push "shots shots shots" is only aiding to the growing epidemic that is alcoholism. I understand that banning alcohol is not the answer. The usage and abuse of cigarettes dropped over 70% when their advertising was banned. This could aid and prevent future alcoholics to not even venture down the path if it's not advertised in the masses. Especially to prevent underage drinking to make it less glamour as it currently portrait online, TV and in other social platforms.

I thank you for your time and consideration.
Joan Marie Yazze Gallegos

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