Ban On F1 Tobacco Advertising In EU Countries Takes Effect

Ferrari One Of Three F1 Teams Vowing To Defy Tobacco Sponsorship Ban

The European Union (EU) ban on tobacco advertising took effect at midnight last night, but F1 teams Ferrari (Marlboro), Renault (Mild Seven) and BAR (British American Tobacco) said that they intend to “defy the ban and carry logos in EU countries,” according to David Tremayne of the London INDEPENDENT. However, McLaren split with primary sponsor West cigarettes and revealed Johnnie Walker whisky in its place. EU Secretary of State for Health Patricia Hewitt has informed FIA President Max Mosley that “until a pending case before the European Court of Justice on the EU tobacco advertising directive is resolved, the European Commission is unwilling to give guidance to member states.” Tremayne notes F1 “appears to have been given clearance to broadcast races from non-EU countries in which tobacco logos appear on cars without risk of prosecution” (London INDEPENDENT, 8/1). In London, Matthew Pryor writes the issue of “subliminal branding threatens to rumble on,” as Ferrari is expected to continue using the red, white and black branding of Marlboro. A statement from the EU said the use of colors, shapes and fonts associated with tobacco logos “is something that the Commission and the Member State authorities will need to examine” (LONDON TIMES, 8/1).