Tobacco advertising HAS been banned in many forms. Just ask Joe Camel.
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Posted on 07/17/2002 7:49:42 AM PDT by SheLion
GENEVA (AP) - After more than two years of negotiations, the U.N. health agency on Tuesday issued a draft of a treaty that would set international standards for controlling the supply, advertising and marketing of tobacco products.
The 22-page document includes recommendations on taxation, marketing, labeling and anti-smuggling measures designed to cut both demand and supply of tobacco, which the World Health Organization says is a major threat to global health.
One of the most controversial parts of the proposed treaty has been the question of how to handle advertising and sponsorship by tobacco companies. While some countries controls or prohibit advertising tobacco products, others have little or no legislation and in some cases such restrictions would be illegal.
The draft treaty commits countries to "adopt and implement effective legislative, executive, administrative or other measures to reduce, with the view to gradually eliminating the advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products." However it notes that each country should do this "in accordance with its capabilities."
It calls on each country to "endeavor" — within the limits of its national law — to phase out tobacco sponsorship of cultural and sporting events, prevent misleading advertising and restrict advertising targeted at vulnerable groups such as young people.
The document was put together by Brazilian Ambassador Luis Felipe de Seixas Correa, who chairs a group of negotiators from 191 countries trying to draw up the treaty.
It is the first time that a full text, without numerous sections containing alternative wording, has been issued. Correa said he produced it based on "a basket of best options" from the proposals made since negotiations started 2 years ago, but he admitted that some countries still would likely disagree with parts of the document.
Negotiators, who will meet again in October, hope to have the treaty ready for adoption in May 2003. The accord, which must be approved by consensus, would then come into force once 30 governments have ratified it.
The draft notes that an optional agreement, with more far-reaching provisions, could be drawn up for countries that wanted to make a stronger commitment on banning advertising.
African countries have led the way in pressing for a tough treaty with a total ban on marketing and sponsorship and other sweeping controls such as tight labeling regulations. Many Asian and some Latin American nations have followed suit.
The European Union also would like controls on advertising, though Germany has held out for fewer regulations. Japan's proposals for a weaker treaty have drawn criticism from anti-smoking groups who say the government is acting because of its stake in Japan Tobacco and its amendments would effectively deprive the proposed treaty of real teeth on major issues. The United States is opposed to an advertising ban, saying it would be unconstitutional.
WHO says a global treaty is needed because smoking and tobacco-related disease kills 4 million people a year worldwide. Deaths are expected to reach 10 million annually by 2030, with 70 percent of them in developing countries.
Good catch JaJ
It's starting to look like the U.S. uses the Constitution just when it appeases THEM. (The lawmakers).
Tobacco advertising HAS been banned in many forms. Just ask Joe Camel.
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Joe is so cute!!!
Unless you hear it from me! Then you know it's gospel.
But I could be wrong again.
don't feel bad. I misspelled Pittsburgh this morning on another thread. hehe
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