MUMBAI: Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has asked the information and broadcasting ministry to take action against tobacco and liquor companies indulging in surrogate advertising in print, electronic and the outdoor media. This, in a letter he has written to I&B Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi.

Answering a question about a letter written to him by Dr Ramadoss, Dasmunshi said that several hundred notices had been issued to various channels over the past few years.

Reportedly, the letter read that companies like Bagpiper Soda, Mcdowells, Johnny Walker Soda and Kingfisher Mineral Waters are using surrogate methods of advertising that need to be stopped. He also mentioned that these companies are trying to bypass the ban on advertising liquor products that is already in place.

Dr Ramadoss had asked Dasmunsi to take appropriate action to ensure that such indirect advertisements of wine, alcohol, liquor and any tobacco products are stopped forthwith, in the interest of public health.

The I&B ministry had earlier banned certain advertisements and issued notices to the channels asking them to disclose reasons for carrying surrogate liquor advertisements.