Consumer protection and internal market: Ban on tobacco advertising?

United Kingdom

Ban on tobacco advertising?

Opposition among European governments to an EU-wide ban on tobacco advertising seems to be fading following Luxembourg's compromise text.

The Proposal has met serious opposition because of fears that sporting and cultural events would suffer. Several governments have also been opposed because tobacco advertising generates significant revenue.

The new text proposes exemptions from the ban for specialist trade journals, publications which originate outside the EU and "advertising of tobacco products between individuals". If either the UK or German government decides to vote in favour of the ban, there would be a qualified majority in favour. Discussions continue.