[Intl-tobacco] Vietnam Govt. stubs out all tobacco promotions

[Robert Weissman]

Vietnam Govt. stubs out all tobacco promotions

http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=3D11ECO090705
(09-07-2005)

Ha Noi =E2=80=94 Viet Nam has moved to ban tobacco advertising in all forms=
, including the
display of trademarks and logos of tobacco products and the organisation of=
 public
activities sponsored by tobacco companies.

The Ministry of Culture and Information made public Circular 19-2005-TT-BVH=
TT which
guides the implementation of the Ordinance on Advertising and the Governmen=
t
Resolution on Prohibition of Tobacco Advertising. It was released at a pres=
s
conference held in Ha Noi, yesterday.

The circular stipulates that any advertisements that show the name, tradema=
rk or
logo of a tobacco product is deemed to be tobacco advertising and is prohib=
ited.
This extends to displaying in an advertisement any part of the name, tradem=
ark or
logo of a tobacco product that is sufficient for people to realise it is to=
bacco.

Circular 19 also bans advertising information of a contest or sales promoti=
on
relating to tobacco products; organising cultural, art, sport, entertainmen=
t or any
other social activities funded by tobacco companies where tobacco names, tr=
ademarks
or logos are displayed.

It also prohibits the dissemination of or displaying information on billboa=
rds of
over 0.5sq.m on sales promotions for tobacco products. Tobacco stands are n=
ot
allowed to display more than 1 carton (200 pieces) of each tobacco label, a=
nd may
have no more than one advertising board.

According to a survey conducted in 2004, the rate of male smokers in Viet N=
am was
59 per cent and the rate for female smokers was 3 per cent. It is estimated=
 that 10
per cent of the current population (over 8 million people) will die prematu=
rely due
to tobacco-related diseases.

Deputy Minister Do Quy Doan said that over the last 10 years, the number of
violations involving tobacco advertising were numerous. To prohibit tobacco
advertising effectively, tobacco producers and inspection forces should be
established, and awareness raising campaigns should be initiated for tobacc=
o
sellers.

Phan Anh Sa, chief inspector of the ministry, said in the near future the m=
inistry
will focus on disseminating the circular to tobacco shops. =E2=80=94 VNS