Germany: Federal Council clears the way for new tobacco advertising bans

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Advertising for harmful smoking will be further restricted. The Federal Council agreed to the gradual ban on poster advertising. First of all, it should apply to conventional tobacco products.

The advertising ban will initially apply to conventional tobacco products from 2022. It will be effective for tobacco heaters from 2023 and for e-cigarettes from 2024. As early as January 1, 2021, cinema advertising for smoking should be taboo if a film is approved for under 18s. This should end with the distribution of free samples outside of specialist shops, for example at music festivals, and of tobacco products as prizes in competitions.

Doctors have long been calling for further bans in Germany to protect young people in particular from smoking. The Bundestag had decided the plans of the grand coalition in July, the Bundesrat now had to agree. In the previous election period, an attempt to ban advertising failed due to opposition from the Union. Tobacco advertising is already banned on radio and television, newspapers and magazines.