Euro MPs back tobacco ads ban

EU newspaper publishers say they will challenge the ban

By Shireen Wheeler BBC Europe correspondent

A Europe-wide ban on tobacco advertising has been supported by members of the European parliament in the French city of Strasbourg.

Two years ago, the European Court of Justice said that attempts to introduce a ban went beyond the powers of the European Union, but now the rules have been re-drafted.

Tobacco ads are banned in nearly half of the EU member states

The ban would extend to tobacco advertising in newspapers and magazines across the European Union, as well as to those intended for the EU market.

It would also apply to publicity on the internet and put an end to sponsorship by tobacco companies at cross-border events like Formula One motor-racing.

Opposition

Members of the European parliament supported the proposals by 311 votes to 202.

But the plans still need to be agreed by the EU's health ministers before they come back to the parliament.

They will face stiff opposition from countries like Germany and Austria, where the revenue from tobacco advertising is worth millions.

Two years ago, the European Court of Justice ruled that a tobacco advertising ban on the grounds of health was a matter for national governments and not for the European Union.

I hope we can have new legislation banning tobacco advertising in the press, on radio and on the internet up and running by this time next year

David Byrne, EU Commissioner

Now the European Commission is arguing that, with tobacco advertising bans in nearly half of the EU member states, common rules are necessary in Europe's single market.

Despite the parliament's vote tobacco companies and newspaper publishers in the EU say they will mount another legal challenge to the legislation.

But EU health and consumer protection commissioner David Byrne predicted a ban by next year.

"The European Parliament has adopted the Commission's proposals and they now go to EU government ministers next month.

"I hope we can have new legislation banning tobacco advertising in the press, on radio and on the internet up and running by this time next year."

Catherine Stihler, Labour's spokeswoman on health in the European Parliament, said: "Europe's war against tobacco must go on.

"Today's teenager who has a drag with some mates is tomorrow's regular smoker.

"This tobacco advert ban will save lives and reduce the chance of children falling prey to the evil weed."