The bill to ban tobacco advertising is currently making its way through the House of Commons. If it is passed, it will bring an end to all advertisements in magazines, newspapers, posters and online.
Ministers have said that the tobacco advertising and promotion bill, which won government backing earlier this year, will come into effect "by the end of 2002" if passed.
The commitment to ban tobacco advertising was been a key New Labour election promise since the party first came to power in June 1997.
However, in July, the bill was challenged by Germany. The German government filed an objection to the tobacco advertising and promotions bill, and claimed it did not conform to EU and World Trade Organisation free-trade rules. This could cause a delay of up to three months.
Any delay to the bill could stop it getting on the statute books by the end of the parliamentary session. If that happens, the government will have to start the process all over again.
As well as banning magazine and poster ads, the bill will also stop tobacco companies from sponsoring sporting events. That is apart from Formula 1 racing and other "global sporting events", which are exempted until 2006.
In addition, the bill will put an end to the practice of tobacco firms giving away cigarettes for free and through coupons or mail shots. Restrictions will also be placed on putting logos on items such as clothes.
According to Hazel Blears, the public health minister: "A ban on tobacco advertising and promotion is an effective measure we can take to stop young people from starting to smoke and to reduce the numbers who will ultimately die every year from smoking-related diseases such as cancer and coronary heart disease."
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