Commission Denies Ban Extension

The European Commission has formally denied media reports that it intends to propose banning alcohol advertising in the EU.

An EC spokesman commented: “There has never been any discussion or a proposal by the Commission aimed at prohibiting alcohol advertising and sponsorships. These reports are unfounded.”

Meanwhile, the French government has acknowledged that it is seeking to extend its own Loi Evin – which bans most advertising and sponsorship of alcoholic beverages – across the whole of the EU.

According to various sources the French health ministry is spearheading efforts to capitalise upon the recently agreed directive banning tobacco advertising and sponsorship by pushing for a similar move to curtail alcohol advertising (subscribers see