EU: 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 said on 14 January: “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 independent media reports 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.

Barbara Nolan, EC Health Commissioner Flynn’s press adviser, has run into trouble over comments she made to BBC Radio 4’s daily morning programme Today on 14 January 1998. The transcript of the broadcast reveals that she believes that the French alcohol advertising ban does not operate in a discriminatory manner, thus prejudging the Commission’s Infringements Committee, which is still examining the complaint against the Loi Evin from Europe’s alcoholic beverage industry.