ASH is accusing Gallaher of advertising its Benson and Hedges (B&H) brand "by the back door". It sponsored features on last weekend's British Grand Prix, which was won by Ferrari driver Rubens Barrichello, in men's magazines Maxim and FHM.
One article, published in the August issue of Dennis Publishing-owned Maxim under the title 'F1 Special in Association with Benson & Hedges Jordan Grand Prix', includes dozens of references to the brand and features more than 40 B&H/Jordan logos.
While there is no suggestion that the magazines or Gallaher have done anything legally questionable, ASH believes F1's UK exemption from the ban on tobacco sponsorship until 2006 is giving cigarette manufacturers a loophole to market their products.
ASH director Deborah Arnott said the pressure group had drawn the activity to the attention of the Department of Health. "This is tantamount to advertising by the back door," she said. "This loophole needs to be closed as soon as possible."
The UK ban on tobacco advertising in magazines and on billboards was introduced on February 14, with further restrictions on direct marketing brought in three months later. The industry is still awaiting regulations on point-of-sale marketing.
While F1 was granted an exemption from the ban in the UK until 2006, recent moves in Brussels will prompt an EU-wide clampdown on tobacco sponsorship from mid-2005.
The move has caused fury within world motor sport governing body FIA and the few F1 teams that still rely on cigarette sponsors. Earlier this month, the FIA watered down its commitment to a ban.
The Department of Health declined to comment.
News analysis, page 4.
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