MADD scolds networks over alcohol ads

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Mothers Against Drunk Driving commended NBC for dropping plans to run advertising for hard liquor Thursday, but chided all the networks for failing to do more to aim alcohol ads away from teenagers.

"Beer, wine and malt-based beverage ads air day after day on television, with little to no restrictions or standards from the networks," said MADD President-Elect Wendy Hamilton. "They continue to use cartoon characters, funny slogans and images that appeal to young people."

Months after announcing plans to air advertising from hard liquor manufacturers-- which networks had voluntarily banned for decades -- NBC announced Wednesday night that it would abandon the plan. The network cited pressure from Congress for announcing its decision.

"NBC and the other networks have blinked on this issue," Hamilton said, "rather than taking a good hard look at addressing the serious need for stricter responsibility standards for all alcohol advertising."

MADD said it wants ads for all alcoholic beverages to be broadcast during programming in which 90 percent of viewers are over age 21 and that feature actors aged 30 or older.

The group also wants a requirement for matching amounts and comparable placement of ads containing alcohol-related safety and health messages.

The Distilled Spirits Council -- a lobbying group for hard liquor manufacturers -- called NBC's decision to cancel the ads "unfortunate, but only a temporary setback for responsible alcohol advertising and equal treatment of distilled spirits, beer and wine."

"There would have been more social responsibility messages about drinking on television than ever before," DSC President Peter Cressey said. "Sadly, a few misguided critics, through their attacks on NBC, have undercut this effort."

MADD called for immediate hearings to be scheduled by the Commerce committees of the House and Senate to deal with the advertising of alcoholic beverages on television.