Comedian and SPM Buzz boss Eddie Butita has come out to differ with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) following their recent update or laws regulating sale and advertising of alcohol in the country.
Taking to his official Instagram page on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Butita strongly condemned NACADA’s recent proposal to ban online alcohol advertising and restrict the use of celebrities, influencers and public figures in alcohol marketing.
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According to the comedian, the authority’s move may be great but the approach taken is misguided and did not involve all stakeholders.
“I am deeply concerned by NACADA’s recent decision to ban influencers and celebrities from marketing alcohol products online. While their intent to curb alcohol abuse is valid, the approach taken is misguided, uninformed, and fails to involve key stakeholders, especially content creators,” Butita wrote in an official statement sighted by this writer on Instagram.
The comic went on to explain that influencers and content creators have played a significant role in promoting responsible alcohol consumption through structured campaigns.
“As someone who has participated in responsible drinking campaigns, I’ve seen firsthand how strict codes of conduct, like the EABL Diageo Marketing Code (DMC), ensure influencers promote safe, informed messaging. These campaigns are backed by mandatory training and clear rules against promoting irresponsible behaviour,” Butita added.
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Butita reiterated that the real problem lies in unregulated, random content on the internet, not professionally run campaigns.
“The real issue is not influencer marketing, it’s the lack of regulation for the countless unmonitored posts promoting alcohol online, with the rising numbers on the internet that will not stop,” he stated.
“Banning trained creators only removes structured, responsible messaging from the conversation and ends vital public sensitisation efforts.” he added.
The popular entertainer also raised concerns about the lack of consultation between NACADA and the creative industry.
“More worrying is that no consultation was made with creators. We are not pawns in regulatory battles, we are partners in shaping modern communication,” Butita said.
“Instead of bans, NACADA should work with creators and industry players to co-develop ethical, informed guidelines for online alcohol promotion. Let’s have a seat at the table. Let’s build better, together. Modern problems, modern solutions.” he pointed out.
The creative’s public statement came barely hours after the Ministry of Interior unveiled a tough new national policy on alcohol and drug abuse.
The proposals, according to state officials aim to combat the rising cases of substance abuse by introducing sweeping restrictions on the sale, marketing, and consumption of alcohol.
According to the policy, online sales and home deliveries of alcohol will be banned.
Hawking and vending machines will also no longer be permitted to distribute alcohol.
Alcohol will not be sold in supermarkets, petrol stations, restaurants, or in residential areas and near learning institutions.
The proposals seek to raise the legal drinking age from 18 to 21.
Individuals under the age of 21 would be prohibited from accessing alcohol-selling outlets, even when accompanied by adults.
Additionally, anyone accompanied by a child or found with offensive weapons will be barred from purchasing alcohol.
NACADA also wants to ban the use of public figures such as musicians, actors, athletes, media personalities, and influencers in alcohol advertising.
According to the proposal, only individuals above the age of 25 may appear in alcohol-related adverts.
The authority further wants to outlaw lifestyle marketing of alcohol, saying advertising should not glamourise drinking or portray it as aspirational.
Advertising during watershed hours between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm will be prohibited.
This includes content on audio-visual platforms, foreign broadcasts, and digital channels. Films, music videos, and performances that show alcohol or substance use in a positive light will be restricted from appearing in print and electronic media.
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