EU ban on Tobacco advertising Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

EU ban on Tobacco advertising - Essay Example This essay "EU ban on Tobacco advertising" outlines the negative effect of the tobacco products' advertisements and why it was restricted in the EU. The advertising of tobacco products, mostly cigarette smoking by the tobacco industry through a various forms of media including television, newspaper, magazine, direct mail, sale points, billboards, radio and sponsorship is called tobacco advertising. As part of their marketing strategy, tobacco companies use the help of advertisements and promotional schemes to boost sales and earn higher profits. On 7 December 1941 serious restrictions was imposed upon the advertisements of tobbaco. Opposition is against the advertisements trying to portray smoking as safe or as a representation of masculinity. They do not do any good except for giving misleading claims and leaving a bad impact on the young and pure minds of teenagers and youth. Pasting advertising posters and brochures along racing tracks, stadiums and rail tracks was outlawed as it give a vast exposure of this unhealthy product. Cooperation and support of anti-tobacco activists and NGO workers was highly encouraged. Advertising done through loudspeakers in stadiums during games and mail (postage stamps) was also banned. Companies use such advertising to create brand loyalty and brand image to consumers so that they choose their brand of cigarette amongst others available. Tobacco companies apportion principally large budgets for their advertising campaigns and strategies also to seek quick responses and to stimulate demand over a longer period of time. The Federal Trade Commission claimed that cigarette manufacturers spent $8.24 billion on advertising and publicity in 1999 which was the highest amount ever at that time. Later in 2005, the amount rose to $13.11. The increase, despite restrictions on the advertising in most countries, was an effort to target younger audiences mostly teenagers who get influenced easily by promotional offers and giveaways such as Zippos, ashtrays and lighters. Casey Stoner: Australia's new Marlboro Man He has become a role model to kids worldwide who see him (Sydney Telegraph picture) racing in his bike, his whole outlook endorsing a tobacco brand Tobacco companies bribe and give expensive prizes to retailers who stock cigarettes and cigars. The European Union have precised that the advertising of tobacco should not be allowed. The European Union (EU) is an economic and political union of 27 member states, located in Europe that have agreed to act collectively on a standardised system of laws and a wide range of issues rather than nationally. Certain legal requirements are enforced upon the packaging of tobacco cigarettes by some countries. For example in the countries of the European Union, cigarette packs must have a label notifying the health hazards associated with smoking. One of the ways was inserting cards into the packet of cigarette giving an illustration of how to quit smoking. An example of tobacco packaging carrying health warnings is shown below: For the benefit of peoples of EU, the Commission is stressing theentry into force of the EU tobacco advertising ban and to start its action, initiated three years ago. The EU directive of 2003 has a wide ban on tobacco advertising in all forms of the print media, on radio and over the more technologically advanced medium, the internet. It also prohibits tobacco sponsorship of cross-border cultural and sporting events notably Formula One racing and the European Football Championships. Most EU countries, except for Germany,have either passed the necessary laws or are in the course of