State agency had alcohol advertising removed from Instagram after our appeal

During social media audits carried out by Halal Ekosistem, a legal violation was identified in the advertising of alcoholic drinks on the Instagram account of a restaurant operating in Baku. An appeal was immediately submitted to the "Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control Agency", and in the official reply received 3 months later, the institution stated that the posts had been stopped and deleted.

In its reply, given in letter form, the Agency stated that the appeal received about the advertising of alcoholic drinks on the "Instagram" social network page had been examined at the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Citizens' Appeals".

In connection with the investigation of the issue raised in the appeal, it was stated that the publication of posts about alcoholic drinks on the "Instagram" social network page of the named restaurant has been stopped and that appropriate measures have been taken to prevent such cases from recurring in the future.

Note that advertising such as creating the impression that consuming alcoholic drinks will bring a person public prestige, personal success in a profession, sport or other fields, or improve their physical or emotional state, that consuming alcoholic drinks is harmless or beneficial to human health or has therapeutic properties, and discrediting those who do not consume alcoholic drinks is prohibited by law.

The unpleasant phenomena, violations of the law and behaviour contrary to public values that we see in society may sometimes seem ordinary and unchangeable, as in "nothing happens anyway". But this passive approach is itself a problem. Because meeting violations of the law with silence paves the way for them to be accepted as normal. That is precisely why civic oversight is not only a legal tool - as a public responsibility, it is also a moral and religious obligation.

If there is no pressure and oversight from society, laws will remain on paper. Civic oversight is the conscience of society.

This is proof that public oversight and initiatives pursued through legal channels produce results. If you also observe violations of the law or cases contrary to the rules of halal in the public sphere (especially on social media), report them to the relevant institutions immediately.

Our holy book, the Quran, demands public responsibility from us:

(O Muslims!) You are the best community brought forth for mankind: you enjoin what is good, forbid what is evil and believe in Allah. (3. Surah Al Imran, verse 110)

For more information: What restrictions does legislation place on alcohol advertising? https://halalekosistem.com/.../qanunvericilik-alkoqolli...