Introduction

In contrast to the case of tobacco, there is no existing specific state legislation in Spain regarding either addictive substances, or drug addictions, or alcoholic beverages, except for the so-called "Wine Law" which in any case safeguards the rights of this economic sector with regards to possible future alcohol regulations. In the case of alcohol, those regulations relating to alimentary products, and those which govern their advertising, also apply. In Spain, a large part of the regulation of the advertising of alcoholic beverages in the various media (press, radio, cinema, exterior and even television) is established by regulations at the regional level which add a catalogue of prohibitions to those established by state legislation:
- In television, the most common practice is the prohibition of advertising of alcoholic drinks of any strength when associated with programmes aimed at minors as an exclusive or preferred target audience. There are cases in which the prohibition refers to particular periods in the schedule (between 8.00 and 22.00) or to specific contents (educational or public interest). In general, the ban includes both direct advertising and indirect or hidden advertising.
- The most common practice in radio is the prohibition of advertising of alcoholic drinks of any strength when associated with programmes aimed at minors as an exclusive or preferred target audience.
- In the press, the most common practice is to prohibit the advertising of alcoholic drinks in children's or youth publications or in those sections of the printed media aimed at minors as an exclusive or preferred target readership. In some cases the ban is extended to include the first page, sections on hobbies, and sports sections.
- With regard to advertising in those media, in some cases the prohibition is limited to media whose influence extends to the majority of the public.
- With regard to exterior media, the advertising of alcoholic drinks is generally prohibited as a consequence of the prohibition of consumption of alcohol in public thoroughfares. In some Autonomous Communities it is not even contemplated; in others, exterior advertising is extensively prohibited or is focussed solely on higher proof alcoholic beverages.
- Generally the restrictions are established especially for people under 18 years of age, and in some cases for under-16s.
- The restrictions for alcoholic strength are set, according to the regulation, at 18, 20 or even 23 degrees proof.
- In a large part of this regulation the sale and consumption, and therefore the advertising, is prohibited in a wide range of places and establishments which include public thoroughfares.
In this chapter only the state legislation related to alcoholic beverages is included.

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The text is derived from the ELSA project which is completed in 2007, but will be updated soon.