This consultation document is about the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland’s (“BAI”) General Commercial Communications Code. This Code was first introduced in 2010 and it sets down binding rules that Irish radio and television broadcast services must comply with when broadcasting advertising, sponsorship, product placement and other forms of commercial communications. The BAI monitors and enforces compliance with the Code through regular checks on broadcast content and in handling complaints from the public where content appears to have contravened the principles and/or rules of the Code.

p.4 Alcohol - The Code includes a number of rules dealing with specific products or services. These rules recognise that additional regulation of these products or services are in the public interest. The first product is alcohol. The rules deal with a number of issues but the protection of children is a core focus of this section of the Code.

See also chapter 10- alcohol; chapter 11- medicinal products; chapter 17- smoking cessation aids; chapter 19- gambling; chapter 22 prohibited commercial communications (including commercial communications for controlled drugs under section 2 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, for psychoactive substances under the Criminal Justice (Psychoactive Substances) Act 2010 and for medicinal products and medical treatments available only on prescription in Ireland are prohibited.)