[Intl-tobacco] UAE: Ministry drops ban on tobacco advertising (fwd)

[Robert Weissman]

Ministry drops ban on tobacco advertising
by Nissar Hoath
Source: Gulf News, Tuesday, 1/30/01

The Ministry of Information and Culture has abandoned its ban on
advertising and promotion of tobacco products, according to an official
statement.

The decision to ban advertising and promotion of tobacco products was
taken by the General Secretariat of Municipalities last year following a
ruling by the Cabinet in 1980. The minister issued instructions to
implement the decision on January 20, and this received strong support
from anti-smoking campaigners but was met with opposition from cigarette
and advertising companies.

But yesterday the ministry backed down, saying it was studying the
decision to find the best way to implement the Cabinet ruling.

Undersecretary Saqr Ghobash said yesterday, "This is in reference to last
circular No. (2), for the year 1421 Hijra, 2001, dated 20/01/2001,
concerning the decision of Council of Ministers No. (402/2), and the
decision of Secretariat General of Municipalities issued on 22/11/2000, on
the prohibition of all sorts of advertisements and announcements on
tobacco products, and prohibition of whatever promotional gatherings or
competitions made in this respect.

"We hereby confirm, in the light of contacts and remarks made by concerned
bodies in this respect, the Ministry of Information has decided to
withdraw the former circular.

"We are now studying the best approach to apply the above decisions, and
will inform you of that at an appropriate time." Earlier, Ghobash said the
the ban was imposed for the sake of public health.

While expressing relief at the dropping of the ban, senior advertising
industry
 sources said renewed efforts would be made to bring about a "degree of
self-regulation".  "As far as the local advertising industry is concerned,
it's very good news indeed. Everyone's very relieved at the change in the
ministry's approach to the issue," said Ian Fairservice, president of the
UAE Chapter of the IAA.

"I have been in discussions with representatives of the tobacco industry,
and they are keen to meet with the ministry and discuss a form of
self-regulation which is acceptable to all parties. "Everyone's aware of
the need to have a certain degree of self-regulation on tobacco
advertisements. The IAA would welcome any move to discuss this issue."

Richard Reavey, regional director of corporate affairs at Philip Morris,
said, "I have seen the media reports yesterday, and it's too early to
comment at this
 stage. We will wait and see."