Health Protection Agency (HPA) has given a warning over the prevalence of tobacco advertisements in mass and mainstream media.
In a press release, HPA stated that some businesses have been advertising tobacco products as healthier or less hazardous compared to competing brands and warned that advertising, promoting, and spreading false information are banned by the Tobacco Control Act. The agency reiterated that the law dictates that a product with any tobacco or ingredients of tobacco is considered a tobacco product and that vapes, shishas, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes are labelled tobacco products.
Furthermore, HPA stated that advertising tobacco products on social media and other online platforms are banned under the Tobacco Control Act as well as combining, packaging, and selling tobacco with other products, or even giving out tobacco products for free. It also stated that comparing the benefits of one tobacco product with another for promotional purposes is also banned under the law.
Furthermore, the Tobacco Control Act prohibits hiding the warning labels on tobacco products in shops, and sellers are only allowed to display a list of the names of the tobacco products in black and white with the prices preventing customers from distinguishing one product from another. Selling tobacco products via vending machines or online and delivery is banned.