German government bans tobacco advertising

Advertising bans The German government has passed a draft law for a general ban on tobacco advertising on the radio, in the press and on the Internet, as well as on tobacco sponsorship at cross-border events. In doing so, it is following an EU directive that must be implemented by the end of July. However, the government is sticking to its appeal against the directive to the European Court of Justice. It is of the opinion that the EU has no jurisdiction over media that exclusively serve the domestic market. It is assumed that the lawsuit will be successful, but a ruling is not expected before the end of 2005 ...