Group wants Ferrari sponsor Marlboro butted out
Quote selected text Published by F1 Editor April 18th, 2007 in Formula 1
An anti-smoking lobby group has slammed Ferrari’s formula one sponsor Philip Morris for displaying cigarette logos at the Bahrain grand prix last weekend.
We reported last month that Maranello based Ferrari, the last in formula one to be associated with a tobacco giant, intends to use a full ‘Marlboro’ livery at certain races this year despite the advertising bans.
Matthew L. Myers, who is president of the body ‘Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’, claims that Philip Morris has therefore broken its own pledge to end all sports sponsorships that require ‘above above physical fitness for someone of the age group of those taking part’.
The agreement was signed by Philip Morris, British American Tobacco and Japan Tobacco on September 11, 2001. The two latter companies duly pulled out of formula at the end of last season.
Myers argues that Philip Morris demonstrated at the Bahrain grand prix that “profit comes before health”.
“The continued formula one sponsorship is only the latest example of irresponsible conduct by the Philip Morris companies,” he said.
[GMM]
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The fact that Phillips Morris decided to breach its own pledge
not to advertise its tobacco-related product in Formula One has
no legal consequence. The Country of Bahrain has no laws against
tobacco-advertising, nor does it adheres to any international
treaty against tobacco advertising, that I know. Furthermore,
let’s not forget that the mayority of Formula One viewers are
adults. The exposure that the Marlboro brand may have in minors
is minimal. I grew up watching Formula One in the seventies; the
Marlboro commercial logo was in almost every helmet and car. I am
forty years old, my parents and most of my co-workers, lawyers, smoke cigarettes;
however, I do not smoke.
I agree smoking cigarettes is not healthy, however, is not illegal. Therefore,
In my opinion banning tobacco companies from advertising in
fast moving vehicles for three hours, every other weekend, makes
as much sense as banning advertising of unhealthy foods such as
Red Bull; Seven-Up; Johny Walker scotch whiskey, McDonalds, etc.
The exposure to children is minimal and as far adults are concerned
it becomes a matter of choice in any democratic country.
Agustin Ponce de Leon, Esq.