Switzerland Votes Majority In Referendum Banning Tobacco Advertisements

Switzerland has voted to ban tobacco advertising. The decision was earlier delayed by big tobacco companies which have plants in the country.

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New Delhi: Switzerland has voted 'Yes' to ban tobacco advertising anywhere young people might see it in a nationwide referendum. The ‘Yes’ votes amounted to 56% of the referendum, making it a clear majority.

Stefanie de Borba, of the Swiss League against Cancer, told AFP news agency, “the people understood that health is more important than economic interests”

Although the referendum comes much later when compared to its European neighbours, it will bring Switzerland into line with these countries who chose strict rules for tobacco advertising years ago. Switzerland has the most lenient tobacco rules in Europe.

The country is a signatory to the World Health Organization's historic Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which came into effect 20 years ago. However, Switzerland was the only country in Europe that had not ratified it as its legislation on advertising was not compliant till the voting took place on Sunday.

The world’s major tobacco companies are present in the country. Major brands, such as Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Japan Tobacco, have their headquarters in Switzerland, as per BBC.

The European country reports over 9,000 tobacco-related deaths each year. Additionally, the cost of treating tobacco-related ailments puts a dent in the health system, as per a BBC report. As a result, the health insurance costs increase, which have to be borne by everyone, whether or not they smoke, the report added.