Alcohol advertising near schools in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

AIM: There has long been concern about the exposure of children and young people to alcohol advertising, which places them at risk. This study aimed to measure the prevalence, type and location of alcohol advertisements within a 500-metre radius of schools in METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was used to quantify alcohol advertisements within a 500-metre radius of 52 Auckland schools selected using stratified random sampling. RESULTS: Over half of all schools sampled (56%) had at least one alcohol advertisement within 500 metres, and this was highest among low-decile schools (63%). Nearby licensed premises were responsible for 75% of advertisements. CONCLUSION: Alcohol advertising near Auckland schools is common. Mechanisms available to Territorial Authorities, District Licensing Committees and the Government to restrict alcohol advertising in communities can be used to regulate areas around schools.