Ban On Smoking Ads Rejected

A report on smoking from the Department of Health states that a ban on tobacco advertising is not necessary. The report says that negotiations will be reopened with the tobacco industry about tightening the voluntary controls on tobacco advertising and promotion.

The report suggests the establishment of a committee of medical experts to examine scientific evidence about smoking. A doctor speaking at the press conference stated that the evidence of the effectiveness of an advertising ban was not compelling, and that price rises and parental influence were more important factors in dissuading young people to smoke. The Advertising Association has sent a document to MPs covering the same points, in which it says that “advertising is an easier target”. The private member’s bill opposing the advertising of tobacco is to have its second hearing on Friday.