Geneva throws out ban on commercial adverts in streets
Voters in the Swiss city of Geneva have narrowly rejected a ban on advertising billboards in public spaces.
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Official resultsExternal link from Sunday’s local ballot show 51.9% of voters rejecting a plan by the local authorities which had the backing of left-wing parties and environmental groups.
Opponents of a ban argued the regulation would infringe on the freedom of trade, harm local businesses and result in a drop in revenue of CHF10 million ($10.9 million) annually.
Supporters for their part said commercial advertising was tantamount to environmental pollution and an obstacle to mobility.
Last September, the local council of Vernier – a municipality near Geneva – decided to ban billboards and other forms of street advertising.
Sunday’s vote in Geneva was one of numerous ballots held at local and cantonal levels in Switzerland.
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Even in the age of digitalisation, the traditional political poster is still an important part of every referendum campaign.
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