Heineken USA creates independent advertising panel

Heineken USA announced at the end of last year that it had created an independent panel to review complaints about its advertising amid rising scrutiny over the effects of alcohol marketing. The company, part of Heineken NV, said three experts on public policy, advertising and psychiatry had agreed to serve one-year terms on its review panel. Apparently, beer and drinks producers are seeking to shield themselves from potential lawsuits over advertising messages perceived to contribute to alcoholism or underage drinking.