U.S. bill to ban smoking advts

Press, 21 February 1987, Page 4

U.S. bill to ban smoking advts

NZPA-Reuter Washington A bill to ban cigarette advertisements in newspapers, magazines, and on billboards has been Introduced by 26 members of the United States House of representatives from both parties who said the advertisements encouraged children to smoke.

Cigarette advertisements on radio and television were banned by Congress in 1971. The bill’s chief sponsor, Mike Synar, (Dem., Oklahoma) said: “It is now time for Congress to eliminate the deceptive advertisements that entice young people to take up an addictive habit that kills Amricans at the un-

precedented rate of 1000 a day.

“We now permit the tobacco industry to advertise for replacements for the two million smokers who quit each year — 350,000 who die and the rest who quit We know that adults don’t take up the habit so their natural target is children.” ■

The bill would also bar tobacco companies from sponsoring rock concerts and sports events. Cigarette companies deny their advertisements are aimed at teenagers and children. They say the advertisements are intended to make smokers switch brands.