The ban on tobacco advertising in India is a complex issue. It sparkled a lot of controversy since the government of India announced on February 6, 2001 its intent to issue a bill banning tobacco ads (Ban, on Tobacco, 2010, 1). Aiming mainly at dissuading youngsters from consuming tobacco, the government wanted through this ban to gain enough powers to launch an anti-tobacco program (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, 1). While some people were in favor of this decision, other people were against it. This issue includes ethical aspects as well as political and commercial considerations. It raises concerns over the implementation of this decision broadly, fairly, and equitably.
1. Summarize the arguments in favor of the ban on tobacco advertising in India …show more content…
Those in favor of the ban argued that effective policies to decrease smoking, if properly implemented, would generate more jobs. They also argued that bans on tobacco advertising in other countries were very effective in reducing the number of smokers (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, 3)
2. Summarize the arguments in opposition of the ban on tobacco advertising in India
The arguments in opposition of the ban on tobacco advertising in India are:
- The 1st argument linked smoking to the free will and freedom of people. It found no basis for the government to step in and decide for people what to do, and what to choose.
- The 2nd argument observed that if it was legal to make and sell tobacco, why would it be illegal to market it? In tobacco companies’ opinions, marketing doesn’t aim at convincing people to smoke but at helping them make an “informed brand choice” on what to smoke and to increase tobacco companies market share (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, 3). Ads would therefore only target smokers, and more precisely adult smokers. Studies showed that ads didn’t influence people to smoke (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, 4). It also pointed out that there was a weak relationship between the amount of money spent on cigarette ads and the consumption of cigarettes (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, …show more content…
It also appears on cigarette boxes with a picture showing the effect of smoking on health. On cigarette boxes, it constitutes 40% of the package (either in front or at the back of the package). There are also other sentences that appear on cigarette boxes to deter people from smoking. This is one way to deal with tobacco advertising by drawing people’s attention to the side effects of
1. Summarize the arguments in favor of the ban on tobacco advertising in India …show more content…
Those in favor of the ban argued that effective policies to decrease smoking, if properly implemented, would generate more jobs. They also argued that bans on tobacco advertising in other countries were very effective in reducing the number of smokers (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, 3)
2. Summarize the arguments in opposition of the ban on tobacco advertising in India
The arguments in opposition of the ban on tobacco advertising in India are:
- The 1st argument linked smoking to the free will and freedom of people. It found no basis for the government to step in and decide for people what to do, and what to choose.
- The 2nd argument observed that if it was legal to make and sell tobacco, why would it be illegal to market it? In tobacco companies’ opinions, marketing doesn’t aim at convincing people to smoke but at helping them make an “informed brand choice” on what to smoke and to increase tobacco companies market share (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, 3). Ads would therefore only target smokers, and more precisely adult smokers. Studies showed that ads didn’t influence people to smoke (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, 4). It also pointed out that there was a weak relationship between the amount of money spent on cigarette ads and the consumption of cigarettes (Ban on Tobacco, 2010, …show more content…
It also appears on cigarette boxes with a picture showing the effect of smoking on health. On cigarette boxes, it constitutes 40% of the package (either in front or at the back of the package). There are also other sentences that appear on cigarette boxes to deter people from smoking. This is one way to deal with tobacco advertising by drawing people’s attention to the side effects of