European tobacco advertising ban overturned

LONDON (Brand Republic) – The European Court of Justice has overturned the European Commission ban on tobacco advertising.

In July 1998, the EU adopted laws which would have phased out almost all tobacco advertising and sponsorship by 2006. Billboard and cinema ads were due to disappear in 2001.

The overturning of the ban comes following strong lobbying from Germany and a number of tobacco manufacturers, including Imperial Tobacco Group and British American Tobacco.

European Court of Justice said the laws were illegal on the grounds that backing from all member states was not sought.

This article was first published on brandrepublic.com