Panama bans all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
In 2008, Panama became the first country in the Americas to enact a total ban on all advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products. Before implementing its new law, Panama had virtually no restrictions of any kind on tobacco advertising and marketing. The new law completely bans all forms of direct or indirect tobacco advertising and marketing, including distribution of clothing and other items with tobacco brand logos as well as sponsorship of sports teams and other high-profile events that often involve children. Advertising in international media originating outside the country is also prohibited.
In addition to banning advertising in all media, including outdoor displays such as billboards, Panama’s law also prohibits distribution of free tobacco products, promotional price discounting, and product placement in television and motion pictures. Of particular note is the restriction on advertising and marketing at the point of sale, which most countries with even comprehensive bans have been unable to pass. The tobacco industry has already found loopholes in the law banning point-of-sale marketing, which highlights the tobacco industry’s willingness to violate the spirit of the law to market its products, as well as the need for tobacco control experts to closely monitor industry activities.
The most comprehensive ban on advertising and marketing will have little effect if it is not enforced. Even though Panama’s law has been in place for less than two years, levels of compliance are extremely high, ranking 95 out of a possible 100 points. In a recent assessment of compliance with the law, several neighbourhoods of Panama City as well as rural areas of the country were surveyed. In all areas visited, no advertising of any kind was seen, no indirect promotion or sponsorship activities were observed, and only one violation of the point-of-sale marketing ban was noted.
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