Public Support Ban On Cigarette Advertising

The Health Education Authority (HEA) has revealed that almost 60% of people in the UK would support a ban on advertising tobacco products. Less than 25% disagree with a ban, with 68% of non-smokers approving a ban along with four out of ten smokers. A ban on tobacco company sponsorship of sport is also opposed by 46% according to the survey. The survey indicates that 46% of people believe that cigarette advertising specifically targets young people (16-24) by fashioning it as glamorous and exciting.

The government has concurred with the HEA by pledging a legislative ban on tobacco and sports sponsorship. However, the HEA survey showed that 81% of those questioned thought that sports would suffer financially as a result of the withdrawal of sponsorship.

The introduction of a cigarette advertising ban received most support in London (67%) and was most contested in the South East and Wales where 28% of people disapproved a ban.

Health Education Authority London: 0171 383 3833