China to ban all forms of tobacco advertisements by 2011
China, the world's largest tobacco producer and consumer, will ban all forms of tobacco promotion by January 2011, so as to fulfil its commitment made to the WHO.
By PTI |
BEIJING: China, the world's largest tobacco producer and consumer, will ban all forms of tobacco promotion by January 2011, so as to fulfil its commitment made to the WHO.
A ban on tobacco advertising has been in place since 1996, but firms have managed to sidestep the rules and promote their brands in other more subtle ways such as sponsoring sporting events, or using their logos without mentioning "cigarettes" on television, radio and in newspapers and magazines.
Vice-president of China Tobacco Control Association, Xu Guihua made the landmark announcement at a seminar in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, state-run 'China Daily' reported on Wednesday.
She said the country is committed to fulfilling its obligations to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
China formally became a member of the convention last January.
China lags behind other countries in efforts to control the use of tobacco, and the biggest problem is the lack of national regulations banning smoking in public areas, she said.
Fewer than half the cities have framed rules on smoking bans in some public spaces. Efforts to ban smoking in other areas such as karaoke parlours and restaurants have been stifled by unwilling owners and managers who fear a loss of business.
A ban on tobacco advertising has been in place since 1996, but firms have managed to sidestep the rules and promote their brands in other more subtle ways such as sponsoring sporting events, or using their logos without mentioning "cigarettes" on television, radio and in newspapers and magazines.
Vice-president of China Tobacco Control Association, Xu Guihua made the landmark announcement at a seminar in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, state-run 'China Daily' reported on Wednesday.
She said the country is committed to fulfilling its obligations to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
China formally became a member of the convention last January.
China lags behind other countries in efforts to control the use of tobacco, and the biggest problem is the lack of national regulations banning smoking in public areas, she said.
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Fewer than half the cities have framed rules on smoking bans in some public spaces. Efforts to ban smoking in other areas such as karaoke parlours and restaurants have been stifled by unwilling owners and managers who fear a loss of business.
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