An investigation has begun into a cigarette promotion being run by Imperial Tobacco after a complaint by the DoH it is in breach of the tobacco ad ban.
The promotion for Superkings features cigarette cards depicting former ad campaigns which are included in packs.
Hansha Patel, a trading standards officer in Bristol where Imperial Tobacco has its HQ, said: “We have requested copies of the cards and will assess them alongside the legislation. Our decision will centre on what constitutes a tobacco advert.”
The case is thought to be the first that trading standards officers have investigated under the Tobacco Advertising Act which came into force at the beginning of the year.
However, Imperial Tobacco remained confident it was not breaking the law and was unrepentant. Trade communications specialist Iain Watkins said: “The Superkings inserts were reviewed in the context of the Act.
“We reviewed it again and can confirm the inserts do not contravene it.”
The promotion for Superkings features cigarette cards depicting former ad campaigns which are included in packs.
Hansha Patel, a trading standards officer in Bristol where Imperial Tobacco has its HQ, said: “We have requested copies of the cards and will assess them alongside the legislation. Our decision will centre on what constitutes a tobacco advert.”
The case is thought to be the first that trading standards officers have investigated under the Tobacco Advertising Act which came into force at the beginning of the year.
However, Imperial Tobacco remained confident it was not breaking the law and was unrepentant. Trade communications specialist Iain Watkins said: “The Superkings inserts were reviewed in the context of the Act.
“We reviewed it again and can confirm the inserts do not contravene it.”
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