Frequently Asked Questions about Preclearance of Alcohol Advertising

• What services does ASC provide?
• How will I know copy has been approved?
• How do I submit copy?
• How long does it take to do an evaluation?
• What criteria are used to clear copy?
• Who can I talk to about copy clearance?
• Do I need clearance by any other bodies?

What services does ASC provide?

• Review of alcoholic beverage advertising copy for radio and television
• Review of broadcast, print and out-of-home advertising copy (British Columbia only)
• Review of broadcast, print and out-of-home advertising copy (Ontario)
• Consultation services for new product launches or new advertising concepts
• At your request, ASC Clearance Services will forward your approved submission to Telecaster Services of TVB and/or CBC Advertising Standards. However, you must follow up directly with Telecaster and CBC on the status of your submission.

How will I know my copy has been approved?

Your approved submission will be sent back to you with a 10-character lifetime ASC approval number (with the exception of advertisements making a new claim, where the number is only valid for one year). This number signifies to broadcasters that the copy has been approved.

Please note that no number is issued when requesting AGCO review. Submissions requesting AGCO review are stamped as being "Reviewed" when they conform to the Guidelines.

How do I submit copy?

• Step 1 Go to the ASC e-Clearance login page
• Step 2 Login or Create a new account
• Step 3 Enter your submissions online. (For copies in languages other than English or French, please provide a translation.)

How long does it take?

Regular service: Two business days from receipt of copy
Priority service: One business day from receipt of copy

What criteria are used to clear copy?

• CRTC Code for Broadcast Advertising of Alcoholic Beverages
• AGCO Liquor Advertising Guidelines: Liquor Sales Licensees and Manufacturers

Who can I talk to about copy clearance?

Call ASC at 416-961-6311 or 1-888-256-8646, press 1 and a customer service representative will assist you immediately.

Do I need clearance by any other bodies?

ASC Clearance Services reviews advertising in 5 regulated areas to ensure compliance with specific sectoral legislation, regulations, codes and guidelines. For television advertising, in addition to obtaining an ASC Clearance number, prior to airing, commercials must be approved by the public and/or private broadcasters to ensure their standards are met. Contact CBC Advertising Standards or Telecaster Services of TVB for complete details.

CBC Advertising Standards is the in-house review division of the CBC.

Telecaster Services of TVB provides commercial review services for its private broadcaster members.

If your advertising will appear in Quebec, it must be approved by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux.