The Boston Herald reported Sept. 21 that Massachusetts Banning Together Against Alcohol Advertising, a coalition that includes Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the Boston Public Health Commission, and the Harvard School of Public Health, says that the ads expose 18,000 Boston kids who ride the trains and buses to school to alcoholic beverages on a daily basis.

But the MBTA, which recently inked a 10-year, $126-million advertising deal, says the ads for Johnny Walker, Bacardi, Coors Light, and Budweiser will stay. "We can't do it," said MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo of the proposed ban. "We have the lowest base fare in the country, and one of the reasons is because we've been working hard to maximize non-fare revenue, including advertising."

Pesaturo said banning alcohol ads would cost the MBTA $1.5 to $3 million per year.

Advocates are particularly upset about ads for Budweiser's new "B-to-the-E" alcohol-infused energy drink, that urge consumers to "go longer" and state: "You can sleep when you're 30."

"Who are they targeting with these ads? Not 28- and 29-year-olds," said coalition spokesperson Amy Helburn.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:
Comment: (limit 200 words)
Enter this word (help):	Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.
   
   
2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).
   
   
3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.