Restricting advertising, promotion and sponsorship by tobacco companies

Often tobacco industry activities may appear as public good activities, while actually inconspicuously working to undermine tobacco control efforts. It is important to be wary of any use of logos or mascots as well as secondary products used to promote smoking (e.g. logos on sports equipment). Although sponsorships may appear positive, it may work to change perceptions of tobacco use or the tobacco industry (National Cancer Institute, 2008). For this reason, the FCTC seeks to ban sponsorships from the tobacco industry for sports, cultural events, concerts, school programs, social responsibility activities and charitable contributions to organizations (Tobacco Free Center, 2008). In countries where constitutional law prevents a 70% ban, efforts can still be made to limit tobacco advertisement's effectiveness and help to prevent smoking initiation, consumption, and relapse. Policies should: