Advertising Threats – Tobacco In Most Danger

The Advertising Association has today launched a Top Ten league table of areas threatened by legal restrictions. 7 out of the top 10 are under threat from European legislation which, say the AA, shows the continued drift towards Europe as the battleground for advertising freedom.

Tobacco advertising is “one step away from a near total prohibition” with a Commission draft directive failing to be adopted by the Council because of continuing blocks from a minority of countries, including the UK, Germany and Greece. A Labour victory in the UK would precipitate a ban both in the UK and the European Union, according to the AA.

Sweets and snacks have been under pressure from the campaigning activity of NFA, the National Food Alliance, whose policy is for a total ban on all advertising to children.

Alcohol, long considered most at risk after tobacco is in practice no-longer under threat of a Europe-wide advertising ban due to successful government relations of the drinks companies. However, the French Government’s Evin Law is a significant barrier to European marketing. Sweden is to propose a ban of advertising of alcohol on television in September; this may be backed by France, Finland and Austria.

The AA will publish its ‘Ad-Threat’ table quarterly.

AA: 0171 828 2771