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Both chambers of parliament are debating how to implement the successful popular initiative “Yes to the protection of children against tobacco advertising” that was approved by voters in 2022.

+ Swiss voters back tobacco advert restrictions

With the revision of the law, the Federal Council wants to ensure that advertising for tobacco products and e-cigarettes no longer reaches children and young people, as required by constitutional

On Monday, the Senate clearly approved the bill by 28 votes to 12 with four abstentions. However, lawmakers stopped short of a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising by maintaining exceptional provisions in the law.

+ Switzerland: the land of the tobacco industry

As in autumn 2023, the small chamber voted in favor of enshrining exceptions for mobile sales staff in publicly accessible places in the law. In addition, tobacco advertising in publicly accessible places and the sponsorship of events should remain permitted, provided that the advertising on site is neither accessible nor visible to minors.

The Senate only tightened up the wording of an exemption clause during the second discussion of the matter. However, it rejected minority motions to follow the national government and waive the exceptions, with one exception.

The ball is now back in the House of Representatives’ court. When the matter was first discussed in February, it rejected the bill in the overall vote. This was tantamount to a decision not to enter the debate.

The Swiss People’s Party thought the planned regulation went too far. The left, on the other hand, considered the planned exceptions to be unconstitutional and called for stricter rules.

Translated from German by DeepL/mga