ABI Sez "Beer Me" in USA Today Ad

Okay, so the American Beverage Institute did not in fact say the words "beer me." Instead the ABI pasted a mugshot of everyone's favorite party girrrrl Lindsay Lohan with the caption "Ignition interlocks are a good idea for" and then showed a picture of some "average joe" drinkers with the text "But a bad idea for us."

Talk about bad ideas...How about USA Today's decision to run this stinker? USA Today is claiming that the ad falls into the category of "Advocacy Advertising" while the ABI says that Lindsay's image "Was publicly accessible. We're not using it for any kind of commercial gain. So we're well within our rights to use it."

I'm not impressed with either explanation. Having ignition interlocks for either repeat offenders or first timers that were really soused (.15 BAC or greater) is a good idea. The ABI claiming that they have no "commercial gain" is just ridiculous.

Ignition interlocks and innovations such as Saab's Alcokey are designed to save drunk drivers from causing harm to themselves and others. If you are staying with the legal limits there's no reason to fear one of these devices.

source: ap