Tobacco and alcohol advertising outlawed in Geneva
The government of canton Geneva has banned advertisements for tobacco products and strong alcoholic beverages. The Council of the canton has approved the legislation, after long discussions.
The new laws governing advertisements for tobacco products and certain alcoholic drinks were only finalised after three debates. Several amendments were necessary to reach a final version.
The sticking point was the definition of strong alcoholic beverages. Eventually, the councillors agreed on the formula that anything above 15 per cent proof constituted “strong” alcohol and drinks which contained inferior alcohol.
The advertising ban affects all public and private areas which can been seen by the general public. The billboard companies have two years in which to prepare for the changes.
Opponents to the ban have already indicated they would attempt to launch a referendum campaign to stop the new laws coming into force.
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