by Morris E. Chafetz

About the author: Morris E. Chafetz is former director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the author of The Tyranny of Experts: Blowing the Whistle on the Cult of Expertise.

As a psychiatrist, scientist and former architect of the national effort to prevent alcohol problems, it was my job to seek out the best science, both biomedical and behavioral.

Today, a heated debate swirls around the issue of restricting alcohol advertising on TV. Assorted opponents who argue that advertising contributes to alcohol- related problems—especially among young people—are way off base.

When I consider the pros and cons of alcohol advertising and its alleged effect on problem drinking, I find myself asking the crucial question: Where in the name of science is there...