MEPs Vote For Tobacco Ad Ban

The European Parliament today voted by 311 to 211 in favour of a Europe-wide ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship.

The ban could become effective within weeks, though the speed of the introduction rests with the UK government, since it currently holds the presidency of the EU. Once it becomes law, all tobacco advertising will be banned apart from in tobacco trade journals and inside tobacconists.

EU states will have three years to remove tobacco ads on posters and in cinemas and four years in newspapers and magazines. Sponsorship of sporting and cultural events must end within five years – except for Formula One racing which has eight years to find other backers.

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