Queen’s Speech Unveils Tobacco Ad Ban

A ban on tobacco advertising is back on the agenda after a new bill restricting such promotion was unveiled during the Queen’s Speech today. The bill will come into effect next summer and could lead to a total ban on the advertising of tobacco products.

Government had last year planned to introduce a ban to phase out all tobacco advertising and sponsorship (see Government Sets A Date For Cessation Of Tobacco Advertising) and, despite an appeal from the tobacco industry, the bill was ruled legal (see Tobacco Ad Ban Upheld By Court). The proposed ban was then overturned by the European Court of Justice two months ago (see European Court Overturns Ban On Tobacco Advertising).

Ministers now plan to secure the bill by restricting it to the promotion and advertising of tobacco products within the UK.

(Subscribers can access further information in the Archive)