NBA to allow hard-liquor ads

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is reversing a longtime ban and will allow hard-liquor firms to place court side ads during games, part of a trend toward more liberal ad policies as sports firms face a worsening economy.

Since professional sports have traditionally been one way for families to enjoy entertainment together, increased alcohol advertising in sports arenas will expose young people to more and more positive alcohol messages -- something the United States Surgeon General has spoken out against.