Swiss Senate Votes to Retain Exceptions in Tobacco Advertising

Sep.19.2024

Swiss Senate approves tobacco ad restrictions with exceptions, sparking debate on child protection and advertising regulations in Switzerland.

According to Swissinfo, on September 17, the Swiss Senate insists on retaining exceptions in the nationwide tobacco advertising restrictions. These restrictions will come into effect after being approved by a national referendum.

The two chambers of parliament in Switzerland are currently debating how to implement the popular initiative approved by voters in 2022 to protect children from the influence of tobacco advertising.

The federal commission hopes to ensure through legislative amendments that advertising for tobacco products and e-cigarettes no longer targets children and adolescents, as required by the Constitution. In a vote on Monday (16th), the Senate passed the bill with 28 votes in favor, 12 against, and 4 abstentions. However, lawmakers did not completely ban tobacco advertising, but instead included exceptions in the law.

As discussed in a group session in the fall of 2023, the Senate voted in favor of explicitly exempting mobile salespeople in public places in the law. Additionally, tobacco advertising and sponsored events in public places should still be allowed as long as the advertisements are not visible or accessible to minors.

In the second round of discussions, the Senate only strengthened the wording of the exemption clause in the second review. However, the Senate rejected minority motions to follow the national government and abandon the exception clause, with one exception.

Currently, the issue has returned to the hands of the House of Representatives. In the initial discussion in February, the House of Representatives rejected the bill in a general vote, effectively deciding not to enter debate. The Swiss People's Party believes that the provisions of the plan are too stringent, while the left-wing camp believes that the proposed exemptions violate the constitution and is calling for stricter rules to be established.

References:

[1] Council of States insists on exceptions for cigarette advert ban

Also Read:

[1] Swiss Company Batrec Successfully Recycles 16 Tons of E-Cigarettes

[2] Switzerland to implement New Tobacco Control Law from October

[3] Transforming e-cigarette batteries into portable chargers

[4] New Regulations in Vaud, Switzerland to Protect Youth Health

[5] Decline in Smoking Habits in Switzerland, Especially Among Youth

[6] Swiss National Council Passes Motion to Ban Disposable E-Cigarettes

[7] Snus Sales Triples in Switzerland, Raising Health Concerns

#Europe #Traditional tobacco #Legislation #Switzerland

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