Alcohol Industry Anxious About Social Media

Nossaman Partner Marco Costales was quoted in the Daily Journal article "Alcohol industry anxious about social media" regarding the rise in calls that attorneys are receiving from those in the alcohol industry due to the increased scrutiny of their social media campaigns by government agencies.  Guidance released in May by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau clarifies that all social media activity by alcohol companies is considered advertising so they must ensure that their social media pages are seen primarily by people who are over 21.

The article points out that although there aren't regulations regarding comments that customers or fans post on the social media pages of alcohol companies, they should set up an approval process for user-posted content .  Mr. Costales stated that he advises clients to limit comments when possible and to delete anything about underage drinking.