Teenagers in Philadelphia are exposed to advertising in a number of forms. There are television commercials, radio commercials, ads in papers, magazines, websites, social media sites and other locations. The goal of this advertising is to encourage people to buy products, which can be very effective.
Alcohol ads can be very effective. There are many ads for alcohol and the advertising can have its desired effect, even on those who cannot legally consume alcohol. A recent study revealed that those between the ages of 13 and 20 are 50% more likely to drink alcohol brands advertised on TV and 36% more likely to consume brands advertised in magazines, compared to those who do not advertise.
The study surveyed over 1000 underage drinkers and asked which brands of alcohol they consumed in the past month. The study did not specifically conclude that advertising leads to underage drinking, simply that underage drinkers consume the alcohol brands that advertise. However, the people conducting the survey believe there is a direct correlation.
Underage drinking can be a common activity in Philadelphia, especially at the various colleges and universities. While underage drinking may seem like a minor issue to many, a conviction can have long-term consequences for the teenager that go well beyond the immediate fines and other penalties. If one has been charged with underage drinking, it is important to try and avoid a conviction in order to avoid these consequences.
No matter what brand is consumed, a conviction for underage drinking can come with serious consequences. Experienced attorneys understand the consequences and potential defenses and may be able to help one through the process.
Source: philly.com, “Teens swayed by alcohol ads,” Robert Preidt, October 20, 2015
