The European Union has outlawed advertising, sports sponsorship and sampling by tobacco companies, beginning in 2005. Spending is expected to shift to premiums (such as branded clothing), cinema ads, outdoor ads, and posters, which will still be allowed.
The 15 member-nations voted yesterday (Dec. 2) to prohibit print and online ads, free tobacco products, and sponsorship of international sporting events (the latter as of 2006). Thirteen nations voted in favor; the U.K. and Germany opposed, reports the Associated Press.
