Germany: Advertising Ban Plan Attacked

Source from:  Tobacco Reporter 04/19/2016

The Federation of German Industries (BDI) is opposed to the extension of restrictions on tobacco advertising proposed by the German government, according to a Die Welt story.

BDI's head, Markus Kerber, was quoted as saying that a ban on tobacco advertising was a gateway for other prohibitions.

The Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Christian Schmidt, had said earlier that he wanted to ban the advertising of cigarettes on billboards and in cinemas.

However, according to the plans, tobacco advertisements on the outer walls of specialised stores and in retail outlets such as refreshment kiosks and gas stations would still be allowed.

The German Cigarette Association and the Central Association of the German Advertising Industry (GAI) also came out against the plans.

The GAI said that in the case of implementation of the proposals; for the first time in Germany market communication would be completely eliminated in respect of a legally produced and freely tradable, adults-oriented product. Enditem