Padraig O'Hora calls for ban on marketing of alcohol brands in sports

Mayo footballer Padraig O'Hora believes that companies which sell alcohol have found a loophole in advertising with 0.0 drinks. 

BAN ON ADVERTISING: Mayo footballer Padraig O'Hora believes that companies which sell alcohol have found a loophole in advertising with 0.0 drinks. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Mayo footballer Padraig O'Hora called for ban on marketing and advertising of big alcohol brands in sported during his appearance on Upfront With Kate Hannon on Monday night. 

The topic of the possible changes of licensing laws for later opening times for pubs to 12.30am and 6am closing time for night clubs was being discussed and O'Hora along with Home of the Year host Hugh Wallace were on to talk about their own personal stories with alcohol.

The Ballina man spoke about his own journey stating that he decided to a stop drinking alcohol a number of year's ago. 

"I understand the damage it does. I think anybody that grows up in Ireland has seen the impacts, be it in their own house or in their own family or somebody down the road. 

"It was a decision we made after a couple of years to make sure it didn't impact our house the way it has other people."

O'Hora spoke about his worries about drinking and the risks surrounding it. 

"Most nights I go out would be absolutely sound you’d have a grand time but there's always risk attributed to it. Something could happen, you just don't know.  

"And basically I kind of made a decision that instead of taking that risk, making a mistake on the night out, getting involved in anything that you shouldn't and it impacting your household or your family, it was easier to avoid it."

The father of three reflected on his decision to stop drinking and the help and support he received during that time.

"It's just the easiest way to do it, if you don't have it you won't worry about it. 

"I was fortunate enough I did have the supports. My mom done the same she stopped drinking years ago.  So did other members of my family that had trouble with alcohol and my partner beside me. I had a good few people that I needed and obviously been involved in the GAA helped."

On the topic of possible 6am opening times for some establishments under the new proposed legislation O'Hora believes that every one has the right to make their own decisions. However, through his work with Mayo Mental Health Association and Youth Work Ireland he knows the consequences access to more alcohol can have for people.

"I believe in autonomy to be honest. I think people, adults, should have their own right to make decisions if people want to drink they should be able to drink.

"But if access is increased obviously we're gonna have more people drinking and in my line of work we see alcohol and drug use linked heavily to mental health issues, antisocial behavior, crime and that's simply obviously not what we want."

O'Hora went on to voice his concerns over the marketing and promotion of alcohol brands, particularly at sporting events, especially around the 0.0 drinks believing that the alcohol brands have found a loophole in advertising. 

"I think it's just a loophole. The government are looking at different bits and pieces that they can bring in you're looking at this legislation. 

"I think there's a loophole in regards to advertising. Big alcoholic brands are utilizing sports to market and advertise. 

"Just because they put a 0.0 sign beside Guinness or Heineken or any of them, they're still marketing and advertising off sports and it's incorrect and something should be done about it."

When asked on his solution to the issue, O'Hora was direct in his response. "Ban it" he answered.