20.06.2024 - In a bold move to safeguard public health, the Ligue contre le cancer, supported by France Assos Santé, Unaf, FNAS, and Entraid’addict, has filed a complaint against the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens (RATP). The lawsuit targets the excessive presence of alcohol advertisements in the Paris metro, particularly those near schools.
The concern: Ubiquitous alcohol advertisements
The complaint highlights the overwhelming presence of alcohol ads in the Paris metro, which are hard to avoid for all passengers, including children. These ads, often depicting alcohol as a symbol of fun and social success, trivialize its risks. Health warnings, when present, are usually minimized and not prominently displayed.
Public health at risk
Alcohol is responsible for approximately 41,000 deaths annually in France, making it the second leading cause of preventable death after smoking. Despite this, alcohol advertising remains pervasive. The lawsuit points out that a significant portion of the French public supports stricter regulations: 89% favor a ban on alcohol ads near schools, and 77% support a complete ban in public spaces.
Persistent advocacy
This legal action follows an unanswered letter sent to RATP’s CEO, Jean Castex, a year ago. The organizations aim to compel the RATP to take concrete steps to protect minors from alcohol advertising. They argue that the current advertising practices violate the law by directly provoking minors to consume alcohol.
Expert insight: Professor Amine Benyamina
Pr Amine Benyamina, an expert in addictology, underscores the severe impact of alcohol on young people. "The brains of young people are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of alcohol, leading to long-term cognitive damage," he states. Benyamina also notes the trend of binge-drinking among youth, which intensifies these risks and can lead to early alcohol dependence. "It's arithmetic: the younger you start drinking, the sooner alcohol-related problems emerge," he adds.
The erosion of the Évin Law
Franck Lecas, a legal expert, explains how the Évin law, originally designed to limit alcohol advertising, has been weakened over the years due to industry lobbying. This has led to widespread and often targeted advertising that reaches young people, particularly through digital and social media.
The statistics speak
41,000 deaths annually in France due to alcohol.
5 million French people suffer from alcohol-related disorders.
102 billion euros: the annual cost of alcohol to French society.
30% of road fatalities involve alcohol.
28,000 new cancer cases each year are attributed to alcohol, including 8,000 cases of breast cancer.
The Ligue contre le cancer and its partners are determined to fight for stricter regulations on alcohol advertising to protect public health, especially that of minors. This legal action against the RATP represents a crucial step in their ongoing campaign to reduce the harmful impact of alcohol on society. As Pr Benyamina emphasizes, "The day we can put 'Alcohol kills' on bottles, it will signify that a real public health policy against alcohol has been implemented."
By addressing this issue, the Ligue contre le cancer is striving to create a safer and healthier environment for future generations. For more information on the impact of alcohol on cancer, please visit Ligue contre le cancer's page on alcohol and cancer.
Source: Ligue contre le cancer