April 23, 2018

Motion: Accept resolution with amendments By: Alderman Wright, 2nd Alderman Mortimer- motion carried Amendment as accepted Resolution Supporting an Alcohol Advertisement-Free Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Whereas the Fiscal and Management Control Board voted to reverse the MTBA ban on alcohol advertising; and, Whereas research shows that greater exposure to alcohol advertising is associated with increased drinking in underage youths. For each ad viewed by an underage youth (above the monthly average of 23), youth drink 23% more; and, Whereas the cost of underage drinking for Massachusetts residents was approximately $1.2 billion in 2013. The MBTA's expected revenue from alcohol advertising ($2.5 million) does not compare; and, Whereas a large number of students in Massachusetts rely upon the MBTA to commute to and from school and other activities; and, Whereas in 2009, alcohol advertisements on MBTA subway cars promoted alcohol to 54.1% of student passengers (ages 11-18) in Boston on an average weekday; and, Whereas early exposure to alcohol advertisements contributes to positive attitudes and perceptions about alcohol use in youth and predicts future intention to drink and likelihood of underage drinking; and, Whereas the restrictions under current MBTA advertising guidelines have the potential to increase higher-risk youth exposure to alcohol advertising; and, Whereas banning alcohol advertisement would be a highly effective method to reduce youth drinki

Motion: Approve By: Alderman Lemmerman, 2nd Alderman Boisselle - motion carried Discussion: None