The Distilled Spirits Council (Discus) has made important changes to its advertising and marketing guidelines.
Changes to the Code of Responsible Practices governing the advertising and marketing of over 2,800 spirits, beer and wine brands marketed by Discus members include:
• Detailed product placements guidelines for movies, television programs, music videos and video games;
• No supplier-sponsored promotions in licensed establishments on college/university campuses;
• No drinking games rewarding or encouraging excessive/abusive consumption as part of supplier-sponsored promotions;
• More detailed “buying” guidelines for radio and new guidelines for newspaper placements;
• Code compliance seminars on placement and content for members and non-members
Discus president Peter Cressy said: “These new provisions reflect the spirits industry’s continued commitment to responsible advertising.
“As marketing communications evolve, so too does the industry’s 74-year-old Code. We remain steadfast in our commitment to abide by the Code regardless of the medium.”
The Discus Code is supported by the Kentucky Distillers’ Association and the Presidents’ Forum, a coalition of producers or importers of beer, wine and spirits, as well as followed by an overwhelming number of other non-DISCUS member distillers.
