Anti-tobacco measures remain a cantonal matter

The Council of States has rejected the idea of
on the coordination of tobacco prevention measures in the cantons
commit. A motion by Hans Hess was passed by just 16 votes to 15,
President of the Association of the Swiss
tobacco trade, was sent down the drain. In particular, the motion
Smoking bans and age limits were mentioned. In the debate, Hess,
Advertising restrictions could also only make sense on a nationwide basis.
be regulated. It would make no sense if, for example, a
The Villiger cigar company's truck driver saw the lettering on the
cars when crossing cantonal borders.
Hess received support from Claudio Schmid-Sutter, President of the
Swiss advertising. However, the Council of States followed the narrow majority
of the government, who noted that it was already working in a coordinating capacity.
Federal Councillor Pascale Couchepin spoke out in favor of national minimum standards
but wants to give the cantons the freedom to impose stricter rules themselves.
regulations.