Billboard advertising alcohol use at holidays is offensive

Recently, a billboard in Fallbrook owned by Clear Channel, used the sacred holiday of “Dia de los Muertos” in an advertisement to sell Tradicional Tequila. The billboard is located on Main Street next to the 7 Eleven. The Fallbrook Youth Prevention Group is offended by the use of the Latino culture to try to sell alcohol.

Alcohol advertising in our neighborhoods over-exposes youth to alcohol messages. Signage close to schools and areas where youth congregate promotes unhealthy behavior among youth.

Pre-teens and adolescents are particularly susceptible to alcohol advertising. Many of the ads they promote contain images that are appealing to youth even though they are not old enough to purchase alcohol. In addition, the alcohol industry uses images of holidays and cultural traditions that send messages to young people that alcohol is needed to enjoy these events.

The Fallbrook Youth Prevention Group requests that the community stand up for the youth and ask Clear Channel to not allow alcohol advertising on this billboard. In addition, we encourage residents to contact alcohol distributors and ask them to “keep their hands off our holidays and cultural celebrations.” It is time for the community to stand behind our youth and work to prevent underage drinking.