Opinion | The author's opinion does not necessarily reflect Sarah Palin's view.
In February 2023, social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney’s partnership with Bud Light sparked controversy and legal scrutiny over concerns of marketing alcohol to minors.
U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Marsha Blackburn initiated a formal review by the Beer Institute into whether Bud Light targeted minors through its partnership with Mulvaney.
The subsequent review led to the revision of industry standards, now requiring beer companies to conduct after-the-fact audits of influencer placements and ensure compliance with audience demographic standards.
An independent analysis raised doubts about Mulvaney’s audience composition, prompting ongoing scrutiny and potential legislative action from Cruz to protect consumers, especially children, from inappropriate alcohol advertising.
A spokesman for the Beer Institute said, “The Code Compliance Review Board, an independent review board convened by the Beer Institute, has already carefully assessed the posts and determined that there was no violation of the Beer Institute Advertising and Marketing Code.”
Sen. Ted Cruz warned, “There are currently no federal laws against advertising alcohol to minors, in part because of the beer industry’s professed commitment to self-regulation.”
“As Ranking Member on the Commerce Committee, it is my duty to ensure that the Beer Institute’s private regulatory regime is working; if it is not, then our Committee may be forced to consider legislating to protect consumers, including impressionable children,” he continued.
Bud Light’s reputation and the beer industry’s advertising standards were significantly impacted by this partnership.
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