MARCH 28, 2002
Tobacco: the governments meet again
Discussions over the possible implementation of a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, an anti-smoking treaty being promoted by the World Health Organisation, have just finished in Geneva.
The problems slowing down the treaty appear to be largely related to what should be allowed and what should not be allowed in terms of tobacco advertising with widely-differing views between the nations involved. There is pressure for a complete ban on all forms of publicity, promotion and sponsorship by tobacco companies but this would cause constitutional problems in a number of countries. There are also problems stopping tobacco companies from promoting their brands through other products (such as clothing) as this is taking the talks into issues of restrictive trade legislation. In addition to all this some countries are demanding financial help to help farmers who will be affected by a restricted tobacco industry.
The FIA has said that it will ban all tobacco advertising in motorsport from 2006 if the treaty is agreed.