The government has written to Sainsbury's and Morrisons asking them to stop "advertising and promoting" heated tobacco products, which it says is against the law. The BBCreported in Februarythe supermarkets were displaying posters and video screens showing devices which create a nicotine-containing vapour by heating tobacco with an electric current. At the time, both supermarkets said they believed the adverts were legal. In response to the letter, Sainsbury's said it was in "close contact with the government", while Morrisons said it would reply "in due course". In 2002, the Labour government under Tony Blair passed a law banning tobacco advertising. It defined a tobacco product as something designed to be "smoked, sniffed, sucked or chewed". Morrisons has argued that this means that it doesn't apply to heated tobacco products, as they don't produce smoke. Advertising for Philip Morris International's (PMI) iQos heated tobacco device on posters and video screens was still on display in Sainsbury's and Morrisons stores visited by the BBC in June, where they were visible to children. PMI said it believes the Department of Health's interpretation of the law is wrong, and said it has "complied with all applicable laws and regulations" since it launched iQos in 2016. The government has now written to the supermarkets clarifying that in its opinion, the law does apply to these products. A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson told the BBC: "In May, we wrote to supermarkets reiterating that the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002… applies to all tobacco products currently on the market, and formally requested they stop advertising and promoting heated tobacco products in stores. "All tobacco products are harmful to health," the spokesperson added. Surveys by the charity Action on Smoking and Health suggest that awareness of heated tobacco products has risen sharply over the past year, and is even higher among young adults, compared with those over 40. Among 11 to 17-year-olds, nearly a quarter had heard of heated tobacco, up from 7.1% in 2022, the last time they were surveyed. Some 3.3% of respondents to their survey said they had tried heated tobacco, and for 11 to 17-year-olds, the figure was 2.7%. While low, the charity said this was still "worryingly similar to the levels of use among adults". Experts say that although research on the health effects of heated tobacco is limited, it is likely to be less harmful than cigarettes, but worse for you than vapes, and less effective at helping smokers quit. A spokesperson for Morrisons said it was reviewing the letter and would respond "in due course". Sainsbury's said it believed its ads were compliant with the law. A spokesperson said: "We remain in close contact with the government and industry partners and are planning our transition to ensure we also comply with planned incoming legislation." It would be for a court to rule definitively whether the government is right that heated tobacco advertising is banned under current law - but so far no-one has brought a case. The law will be clarified when the government passes the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is expected to conclusively ban all tobacco and vape advertising and sponsorship. The bill is making its way through parliament and is currently at the committee stage in the House of Lords. Hazel Cheeseman, the chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, urged the government to pass the law as quickly as possible. "It is outrageous that certain supermarkets still do not seem to be prepared to comply with the law, even when told they are in breach. "The longer this takes to resolve, the more children will be exposed to tobacco product marketing," she added. The Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act applies UK-wide, but health is a devolved issue. The devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland all said they agreed with the DHSC in England that advertising heated tobacco is banned. Asda and Tesco both said they do not accept tobacco advertising.
Sainsburys and Morrisons told to stop tobacco ads
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"UK Government Urges Sainsbury's and Morrisons to Halt Heated Tobacco Advertising"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
The UK government has contacted Sainsbury's and Morrisons, urging them to cease the advertising and promotion of heated tobacco products, asserting that these practices violate existing laws. Reports indicate that both supermarkets have displayed advertisements for such products, which create a nicotine-containing vapor by heating tobacco, despite their belief that these ads were compliant with the law. The legal framework, established by the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act of 2002, defines tobacco products broadly, and the government maintains that this law applies to heated tobacco, contrary to claims made by the supermarkets. In response to the government's letter, Sainsbury's acknowledged ongoing communication with the government, while Morrisons indicated it would provide a response in due course. Notably, advertisements for Philip Morris International's iQos heated tobacco device have been observed in both stores, sparking concerns about exposure to children, as surveys reveal a rising awareness of heated tobacco products among young adults, with a significant percentage of adolescents reporting familiarity with these products.
The Department of Health and Social Care has reiterated the applicability of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act to all tobacco products, emphasizing the health risks associated with such items. While the health implications of heated tobacco remain under-researched, experts suggest that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes but potentially more detrimental than vaping. The ongoing debate about the legality of these advertisements is expected to be clarified with the introduction of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently progressing through Parliament. Action on Smoking and Health's chief executive has called for expedited passage of the bill to protect children from tobacco marketing. Additionally, devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland have expressed agreement with the DHSC's stance on the ban of heated tobacco advertising. In contrast, other major retailers like Asda and Tesco have already stated their refusal to accept any tobacco advertising in their stores.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a significant governmental intervention regarding tobacco advertising in the UK, specifically targeting Sainsbury's and Morrisons for promoting heated tobacco products. The government's directive emphasizes the legal framework established by the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act of 2002, which the supermarkets contested by claiming that heated tobacco does not fall under the category of traditional tobacco products. This situation raises critical questions about public health, legal interpretations, and corporate responsibility.
Governmental Authority and Public Health Concerns
The intervention by the government reflects a commitment to public health by reiterating that all tobacco products, including heated forms, pose health risks. The Department of Health's position aims to curb the exposure of young individuals to tobacco advertising, particularly given the rising awareness among young adults about heated tobacco products. This move may be intended to strengthen regulatory measures in the face of evolving tobacco products and marketing strategies.
Corporate Compliance and Legal Interpretations
Sainsbury's and Morrisons' initial belief in the legality of their advertising suggests a potential gap in understanding the law or a strategic choice to push the boundaries of regulation. The stance taken by Philip Morris International, arguing against the government's interpretation, indicates an ongoing conflict between corporate interests and regulatory frameworks. This situation illustrates the complexities that arise in the interpretation of laws as they apply to new product categories, and it highlights the need for clarity in legislation to avoid such disputes.
Public Perception and Societal Impact
The article aims to shape public perception by underlining the government's proactive approach to limiting tobacco advertising. It serves not only to inform readers about the legal aspects but also to foster a collective awareness of the health implications associated with tobacco use. This narrative may resonate particularly with health advocacy groups and individuals concerned about youth exposure to tobacco products, encouraging them to support regulatory efforts.
Potential Economic and Political Implications
The government’s actions could have broader implications for the tobacco industry and its marketing strategies, potentially affecting stock prices of companies involved in tobacco production and retail. Additionally, public sentiment towards tobacco advertising may influence future political and economic policies, creating a ripple effect throughout related sectors such as healthcare and advertising.
Community Support and Target Audience
This news is likely to resonate with health-conscious communities, advocacy groups, and parents concerned about the impact of tobacco on youth. Conversely, it may face resistance from tobacco industry stakeholders and consumers who favor heated tobacco products as a less harmful alternative.
In conclusion, the article raises vital discussions surrounding health regulations, corporate responsibility, and public awareness. By addressing these issues, it reinforces the importance of adhering to legal standards in the context of evolving tobacco products. The overall reliability of the information is grounded in the government's official stance and the documented history of tobacco advertising laws, suggesting a high degree of accuracy in the reporting.