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EU votes for tobacco ban
STRASBOURG, France -- Plans for a widespread ban on tobacco adverts have been passed by the European Union Parliament. The measures, which still needs further ratification from member states and the bloc as a whole, would outlaw adverts in newspapers and magazines, on the Internet and at international sports events throughout the EU. EU Health and Consumer Affairs Commissioner David Byrne said the bill would give "a clear sign" to the tobacco industry that the EU took the health of its citizens seriously In a first assessment, the EU Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, France, voted 311 to 202, with 39 abstentions, to accept the tough new restrictions on Wednesday. Byrne said he expected EU governments to ratify the bill as it stood, allowing the ban to take effect in July 2005. "There is too high a level of tobacco advertisement in EU. This will help reduce tobacco consumption by removing messages that smoking is cool," he told The Associated Press. Byrne said he was confident the new rules would stand up to a court challenge -- unlike the EU's previous attempt to control tobacco advertising. The European Commission, the EU's executive office, is trying to get the rules approved as an internal trade measure, which would require the backing of most of the 15 EU nations, rather than unanimity. Germany, backed by tobacco and advertising companies, succeeded in overturning the previous ban at the European Court of Justice when it agreed the restrictions were a public health law, which require unanimous support. The new bill proposes an end to the free distribution of tobacco products as a promotional tool. It does allow tobacco companies to advertise in cinemas, on billboards, posters or via indirect adverts, such as clothing lines. Under the earlier ban, the EU had prohibited tobacco adverts in cinemas and on billboards. TV advertising and sponsorship by tobacco companies are already banned. The bill also said the sponsoring of sporting events such as Formula One auto racing "is to be prohibited." Tobacco giant Philip Morris has said it welcomed restrictions that limit children's exposure to cigarette advertising, but said regulations should "permit such marketing to be directed toward adult smokers." More than half a million Europeans die of tobacco-related diseases each year, according to EU statistics. Copyright 2002 CNN. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.
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