Introduction
Introduction
Liquor ads began running on television lastyear for the first time in nearly a half-century. Many public health groups and government officials reacted with alarm, arguing that distilled spirits ads inevitably would be seen by young, impressionable viewers – and in fact deliberately were aimed at youth. The major networks say they won't run liquor commercials. But distillers argue that a standard serving of wine or beer contains approximately the same volume of alcohol as a mixed drink, and that they are only seeking a level playing field with wine and beer, which have advertised on radio and television for decades. Critics retort, however, that the liquor industry's actual goal is to boost liquor sales, which have been declining for years.
