Legality of European ban on tobacco advertising questioned

The joy of antismoking campaigners at the prospect of clearer health warnings on cigarette packets was tempered this week by doubts over the legality of a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and sponsorship across the European Union.

Under this initiative, cigarette manufacturers would have to set aside 35% of the front of each packet and 45% of the back to warn smokers of the risks they are running. The percentages are considerably higher than the 4% currently required in the …