Ministry warns Tobacco Company

[posted 20 October 2004, 11:00]

The Ministry of Health has threatened legal against British American Tobacco unless it comes into compliance with cigarette advertising restrictions.

The Ministry has questioned the message of several anti-smoking advertisements used by the company in stores and other public areas.  In particular, Ministry officials are angered because the ads were supposed to help curb under-age smoking.  The ambiguity of the message conveyed by the ads is the reason for the Ministry's threats to take the company and its managers to court.  

Ministry officials claim that BAT is in violation of Tobacco Control Act regulations.