Switzerland Struggles to Implement Tobacco Advertising Ban Again

According to Blick on December 16th, on Monday (the 16th), the Swiss National Council made a decision again on the implementation of a ban on tobacco advertising.

Three years ago, Swiss voters approved a ban on tobacco advertising in all places visible to children and adolescents. However, implementing this decision in parliament has proven to be difficult. Earlier this year, the National Council rejected the Federal Council's initial proposal, which did not go as far as advocates and former Health Minister Alain Berset had requested, in implementing comprehensive restrictions on advertising and sponsorship.

The federal government continues to adhere to several exceptions, such as allowing mobile salespeople to advertise, placing tobacco ads in public places, and sponsoring events as long as it is not visible to minors. The Federal Health Office also pointed out that there is little leeway in the strict written constitution. A report last year mentioned that these amendments are considered illegal by the executive branch, and the Cancer Alliance criticized the federal government for not respecting public opinion.

Conservatives believe that the proposal excessively restricts free market operations. The Swiss People's Party stated in a previous national committee discussion that the proposal overly suppresses the market and is being supported by left-wing parties in an attempt to sabotage it.

Philip Morris International (PMI), British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco International all have production facilities in Switzerland, exerting significant political influence. Switzerland also has a "debt" to repay from twenty years ago: the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, signed in 2004, requires various measures to reduce the attractiveness of smoking, including a ban on tobacco advertising. However, Switzerland has not fully fulfilled this commitment to date, making it one of four European countries that have not implemented the agreement.

The federal government implemented a new tobacco control law in October of this year, prohibiting the sale of tobacco products to minors and banning tobacco advertisements in public and private spaces visible from public areas. However, health alliances and prevention organizations believe that this measure is still insufficient, and if a lighter advertising ban is ultimately put in place by Parliament, they will take action against it.

As a last resort, advocates such as former Social Democratic Party federal Senator and "Smoke-Free Children" President Hans Stöckli, 72, have stated that they may have to initiate a public referendum.