The Motz from Butz: Strong Tobacco

In the May 23 issue of the NZZ, Davide Scruzzi wrote what is at stake here: "When Federal Councilor Alain Berset presented the draft of the new law on tobacco products on Wednesday, he stressed that it was a compromise between economic interests and health protection. The result, however, is regulations that are hardly credible and opaque. Sponsorship of major events by cigarette companies remains permitted. However, a far-reaching advertising ban is to apply to posters, newspapers and cinemas. The sale of electronic cigarettes with nicotine will be newly permitted because, according to the federal government, they are less harmful than ordinary glow sticks. At the same time, however, this vaporizing of nicotine will be prohibited in public places. - Just this passive smoke provision without health justification shows how the tobacco law is dominated less by sober considerations of health hazards and more by the spirit of patronizing health education."

That is now a fact. And in my advertising eyes, that is a cowardly injustice and also a paternalism of all adults. In addition to cigarettes, I have also advertised many controversial or unhealthy products. I'm talking about Nutella, for example, a great product. Boris Becker has also promoted it. Nutella contains many calories and - as you can see with Boris - makes you fat. Nutella advertising should be banned for children and young people. After the Fiat rust debacle, these CO2-emitting 127s, Supermirafioris, Ritmos and Pandas as the "Piacere d'Italianità" I have been advertising these brands for 20 years. I challenge you, Mr. Berset: "Ban car advertising, unless they are hybrids or electric cars! "(I don't want to share your anger with the economy.) There is by far no lack of examples where one could seriously define restrictions for advertising campaigns: The fashion industry, which has its products produced at starvation wages in the Far East. That I was a co-inventor of the Jägermeister campaign is now well known, if not, then at the latest now. I think such alcoholic beverages would also be at risk of being banned from advertising.

Back to the tobacco ban. For several years now, smoking has been banned in restaurants. There is always a deadly warning with a scary picture on tobacco products, and now there is even an almost total ban on advertising. The Nutella can would absolutely have to have obese teenagers on it. At the entrances and in the advertising of McDonald's should also be pointed out to such health-damaging effects. The Snickers ad (Diva) or the well-done M&M hostage-taking bring me joy. But in the credits it should say "This is a high-calorie, unhealthy fattener. Ask your mother and she a nutritionist."

We are discussing the legalization of canabis, but on the other hand we are neutering tobacco advertising. As far as I know, there is still no advertising for cocaine. And there is no need for it, because consumption and prices are constantly rising.

My theory: anything forbidden or dangerous is more attractive, so banning advertising won't do anything. If you want to join my yet-to-be-formed party for "Free Advertising Speech," please do. That would be my set-up.

Theophil Butz, graphic designer, advertising agency owner, inspirer and, for the last three years, also mothballs for Werbewoche readers. Please send any relevant information to [email protected]