European Parliament backs prohibition of tobacco promotions
November 22, 2002 12:00 AM
Promotional ashtrays, lighters and free tobacco samples should be banned, according to a report by Dutch Liberal Jules Maaten (VVD/ELDR) adopted by the European Parliament yesterday.
West Midlands MEP Liz Lynne, who sits with Jules Maaten on the ELDR benches, has welcomed the report. It proposes a ban on the use of promotional items (ashtrays, lighters, parasols, etc.), tobacco samples and gifts, as well as of the use of advertising in cinemas and on the radio (still legal in some EU countries).
Parliament also voted in favour of ending sponsorship of national sporting and cultural events by tobacco companies.
MEPs also demanded effective protection, according to the circumstances, from exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in indoor workplaces, enclosed public places, and public transport.
Welcoming the adoption of his report, Liz Lynne MEP said: “This report has been a breath of fresh air after the disappointment of Wednesday’s smoke-addled vote on the Tobacco Advertising Directive. [see here for more info]
“I am particularly pleased that the Parliament demanded measures against illicit trade in tobacco products, including smuggling and counterfeiting, and demanded alternatives for the scandalous subsidies for tobacco growing. These subsidies are a complete anomaly at a time when we want to discourage people from taking up smoking.”
The report stresses that the emphasis should be put on reducing tobacco consumption by cultivating consumers' awareness: “We should not create a society where smoking a cigarette or cigar comes to be regarded as a crime, but we should try to inform consumers as well as possible about the consequences of their behaviour.
“It is now up to the Council to make sure that the proposals will be implemented in the Member States.”
The Maaten Report is on a Draft Commission Recommendation to the Council. The draft recommendation is meant to complement EC tobacco control policy in the areas that are not covered by internal market provisions.
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