Imperial Tobacco found guilty of
breaching tobacco advertising law
ASH
UK media release 4/8/04
Imperial Tobacco has admitted breaching the UK law banning tobacco
advertising and promotion. In August 2003, five months after the
Tobacco Advertising Act came into force, Imperial began inserting 'Supertrivia'
cards in packs of Superkings cigarettes, which included examples of
past Superkings ads on one side and trivia questions on the other.
Following a
complaint, Bristol Trading Standards Officers investigated and ruled
that the inserts constituted an advertisement under the Act.
Commenting on the ruling, Amanda Sandford, Research Manager of the
health campaigning charity ASH, said:
"This case shows that the tobacco industry simply can't be
trusted to uphold the law.
The cigarette manufacturers have a long history of undermining tobacco
marketing restrictions and it therefore comes as no surprise to find
Imperial Tobacco continuing this despicable practice. [1] However, the
tobacco companies are now on notice that this behaviour won't be
tolerated by government and they will not be allowed to get away with
such blatant attempts to undermine the law in future."
ASH called on the public to be vigilant and to report suspected
breaches of the law.
"Tobacco companies will use whatever means they can to recruit
new customers to a lifelong addiction. Tobacco advertising is an
effective way of recruiting impressionable young smokers, while bans
help to reduce consumption and the likelihood of young people taking
up the habit. It is therefore vital that all forms of marketing and
promotion are prohibited." [2]
Notes and links:
[1] During its inquiry into the tobacco industry, the House of Commons
Health Select Committee report: 'The tobacco industry and the health
risks of smoking' concluded that:
"Voluntary agreements have served the industry well and the
public badly. Regulations have been seen by tobacco companies as
hurdles to be overcome or side-stepped; legislation banning
advertising as a challenge, a policy to be systematically undermined
by whatever means possible."
[2] The UK government estimates that the UK Tobacco Advertising and
Promotion Act should result in a fall in consumption of around 2.5%,
resulting in a saving of 3,000 lives a year.
Contact: Amanda Sandford: 020 7739
5902 (w) ISDN available
Bristol City Corporate Communications: 0117 922 2649
