Government Seeks To Exclude F1 In Tobacco Ad Ban

The minister for public health, Tessa Jowell, has requested that the EU considers exempting Formula 1 from its sports sponsorship ban policy.

Whilst the government and EU are both seeking to eradicate tobacco sponsorship of sports events, Jowell has argued that if Formula 1 were included the sport would simply move to Eastern Europe and Asia for its tobacco sponsors and the results would be broadcast throughout Europe anyway. Indeed, tobacco exposure may even increase, argues Jowell. Moreover, Formula One is economically important in the UK as many cars and parts are made here; driving the sport away would be bad for business.

Tobacco sponsorship currently provides £100m to F1 racing. If the EU agrees to dropping the restrictions on Formula One, the sport has promised to make moves to reduce the visibility of sponsors to a certain degree. If other EU countries agree, the directive could be in place within a month.