The Union Health Ministry has reportedly asked the BCCI and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to come up with measures to prevent advertisements related to tobacco or alcohol at venues. Noting that cricketers and sportspersons are role models for the younger generation, the ministry’s notification stated that it was disheartening to see athletes endorsing such brands via surrogate ads. The move comes weeks after reports indicated that the Health Ministry was mulling to take action on such ads at venues.
No more tobacco, alcohol ads in sports venues
As per the Hindu, a notification regarding the matter was issued by the Ministry on August 1.
“Such measures shall not only help in reducing the consumption of tobacco especially amongst youth but also reinforce a positive image of sportspersons as advocates of health and fitness and continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and responsibility in sports,” the Ministry said.
What prompted the move?
A study conducted by ICMR and Vital Strategies stated that as much as 41.3% of all surrogate ads of smokeless tobacco (SLT) brands in 2023 were displayed during the last 17 matches of the World Cup.
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