The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been advised by the Union Health Ministry to outlaw all types of alcohol and tobacco advertising, including that of surrogate brands, on national television broadcasts and within stadium grounds during games. This request is made in advance of the March 22 start of the IPL season.
In a letter to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal,
Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Atul Goel stressed the serious health risks of alcohol and tobacco use, pointing out that India is burdened with a high rate of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular conditions, and hypertension.
According to him, alcohol and tobacco use are major risk factors for chronic illnesses, and India ranks second in the world for tobacco-related mortality, which amount to around 1.4 million per year. Furthermore, the most widely utilised psychoactive substance among Indians is alcohol.
Goel went on to emphasise the significant role that cricket players play as role models, saying that they have a “social and moral obligation” to assist government health efforts and advance public health. He urged the IPL to carefully enforce the laws and regulations that prohibit advertising and promotions of alcohol and tobacco in any form. Additionally, the DGHS demanded that all sports facilities and related events ban the sale of alcohol and tobacco products.
He stated, “Discourage promotion of sports, sportspersons including commentators, who directly or indirectly endorse products linked to alcohol or tobacco,” according to The Times of India.
In order to get around advertising restrictions, businesses frequently use surrogate advertising, which involves promoting substitute goods like club soda or mineral water. By outlawing such indirect advertisements, the Health Ministry’s decree seeks to guarantee that the IPL is in line with public health goals.
The ministry’s request is part of a larger initiative to lessen the health hazards that alcohol and tobacco use provide.
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