Charity says "smoking-friendly" venue list, run by a tobacco company, could encourage young people to take up the habit
A website recommending "smoking friendly" pubs, nightclubs and restaurants may breach the ban on tobacco advertising, an anti-smoking campaign group has claimed.
Smoke Spots, which is owned by Imperial Tobacco, allows users to upload details of venues with smoking facilities. It also features blog posts, events listings and discussion forums for smokers.
We believe this is a clear breach of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotions Act (Tapa).
It is obvious that the effect of this campaign on the part of Imperial Tobacco is to promote smoking. It is also clearly accessible to under-18s.
"I share Ash Scotland's concerns about this campaign, which seems designed to get around advertising rules by promoting smoking in an underhanded and indirect way. The campaign website suggests that the tobacco industry sees no problem in encouraging people to smoke at the same time as promoting public parks, food markets and even events for children."
We refute any suggestions that Smoke Spots promotes tobacco or smoking. As stated on the Smoke Spots website, it helps adult smokers find places where they can still enjoy a legal consumer product. It does not advocate smoking or advertise tobacco brands.
Continue reading... Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 hours ago.
A website recommending "smoking friendly" pubs, nightclubs and restaurants may breach the ban on tobacco advertising, an anti-smoking campaign group has claimed.
Smoke Spots, which is owned by Imperial Tobacco, allows users to upload details of venues with smoking facilities. It also features blog posts, events listings and discussion forums for smokers.
We believe this is a clear breach of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotions Act (Tapa).
It is obvious that the effect of this campaign on the part of Imperial Tobacco is to promote smoking. It is also clearly accessible to under-18s.
"I share Ash Scotland's concerns about this campaign, which seems designed to get around advertising rules by promoting smoking in an underhanded and indirect way. The campaign website suggests that the tobacco industry sees no problem in encouraging people to smoke at the same time as promoting public parks, food markets and even events for children."
We refute any suggestions that Smoke Spots promotes tobacco or smoking. As stated on the Smoke Spots website, it helps adult smokers find places where they can still enjoy a legal consumer product. It does not advocate smoking or advertise tobacco brands.
Continue reading... Reported by guardian.co.uk 2 hours ago.