France may ban tobacco brands that are deemed too cool. Such a move would result from a public-health law based on a European directive that prohibits the promotion of tobacco or associates it with “certain characteristics.” The health ministry has identified the packaging of Gauloises and Gitane with “feminine icons”, that of EU and News with “youth and social symbols” and that of Lucky Strike, Fortuna and Marlboro Gold with “luck and success.” Cigarette companies have called for clarification and the opportunity to appeal prior to the new health code being published in 10 days’ time.
France may ban tobacco brands that are deemed too cool. Such a move would result from a public-health law based on a European directive that prohibits the promotion of tobacco or associates it with “certain characteristics.” The health ministry has identified the packaging of Gauloises and Gitane with “feminine icons”, that of Vogue and News with “youth and social symbols” and that of Lucky Strike, Fortuna and Marlboro Gold with “luck and success.” Cigarette companies have called for clarification and the opportunity to appeal prior to the new health code being published in 10 days’ time.