On the 13 February 2022 the Swiss electorate voted on the Popular initiative "Yes to the ban on animal and human experiments – Yes to research that brings safety and progress".
Popular initiative "Yes to protecting children and young adults from tobacco advertising (No tobacco ads for children and young adults)"
Summary
At present, the advertising of tobacco products is permitted in Switzerland, subject to certain restrictions. Tobacco advertising on radio and television and advertising aimed specifically at minors are banned. Most cantons have brought in more far-reaching bans, prohibiting tobacco advertising on billboards and in cinemas, for example, or stopping tobacco companies from sponsoring events.
The initiative aims to ban tobacco advertising wherever children and adolescents might see it, e.g. in the press, on posters, on the internet, in cinemas, in kiosks or at events. For electronic cigarettes, the same rules would apply. Advertising directed only at adults or shown in places to which minors have no access would still be allowed.
For the Federal Council and Parliament, the initiative goes too far. They are opposing it with an indirect counter-proposal in the form of the new Tobacco Products Act. The new rules would ban advertising of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes on billboards and in cinemas. In addition, tobacco companies would no longer be permitted to give away free cigarettes or to sponsor international events in Switzerland. Advertising at kiosks, in the press or on the internet would still be possible, except when aimed at minors, and the sponsorship of national events would still be permitted. The new Tobacco Products Act can come into force regardless of the outcome of the vote on the popular initiative.
Last modification 10.02.2022
