P.M. BRIEFING : French Declare War on Tobacco
The government declared war on tobacco today, approving a draft law banning all cigarette advertising and announcing a 15% increase in the price of tobacco products beginning next year.
In addition, advertisements of nearly all alcoholic beverages will be banned except in the print media.
The measure will be submitted to Parliament during its spring session, government spokesman Louis Le Pensec said. If approved, the bans will be implemented progressively over a three-year period.
Most cigarettes now cost between 95 cents and $1.75. The government receives about 75% of the revenue from tobacco sales.
Le Pensec said tobacco and alcohol are responsible for 20% of the deaths in France.
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