Victorian Government to introduce new laws to crack down on 'sneaky' tobacco advertising

In the wake of Formula 1 teams displaying advertising relating to smoking products on their cars and uniforms at this year’s Melbourne F1 Grand Prix, the Victorian Government is planning new legislation to tighten the state’s tobacco advertising laws.

Legislation introduced into the Victorian Parliament today will make it impossible for cigarette companies to circumvent the laws when they try to introduce new forms of advertising and sponsorship, especially in sport.

The legislation will extend the definition of tobacco or e-cigarette advertising to include words or designs closely associated with a tobacco manufacturer.

Victorian Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos stated “it’s all about cracking down on the clever ways big tobacco tries to wriggle around the rules by identifying new and indirect ways of marketing their dangerous and deadly products, and making sure our greatest sporting spectacles aren’t used as vehicles to peddle smoking.”

The legislation will also repeal a rarely-used exemption for tobacco advertising at certain events, making it a non-negotiable that tobacco advertising is banned for good.

Minister Mikakos added “we’re putting a stop to big tobacco companies using sneaky tactics to get around our tough laws and promote their dangerous products.”

“Victoria has led the way in cracking down on deadly tobacco advertising and we want it to stay that way. These important changes will stop tobacco giants from misleading Victorians and putting lives at risk.”

Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable chronic disease and death, with about 4,000 lives lost each year in Victoria due to smoking. Smoking costs $3.8 billion in healthcare costs and lost productivity each year.

Image: 2019 Ferrari F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel with this year's race car and its red and white livery advertising a product that doesn't appear to exist.