The Supreme Court of Canada upheld on Thursday the laws restricting tobacco companies from advertising their products, dismissing the companies' argument that the laws violate their right to freedom of expression.
Cigarette companies argue that the restriction prohibiting ads which can be 'construed' as appealing to youths is an impossible standard to follow.
(CBC) In a 9-0 judgment, the court ruled the 1997 law, and the detailed regulations that go along with it, were a "reasonable restriction" that can be justified under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The decision follows hearings in Ottawa in February, when Imperial Tobacco Canada, JTI-Macdonald, and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges argued that they have the constitutional right to advertise, but the laws are so restrictive that they essentially amount to a complete ban.
The Tobacco Act, which came into effect in 1997, bans tobacco sponsorship, restricts the way cigarettes are advertised and requires large warnings on packages.
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(CBC)
The decision follows hearings in Ottawa in February, when Imperial Tobacco Canada, JTI-Macdonald, and Rothmans, Benson & Hedges argued that they have the constitutional right to advertise, but the laws are so restrictive that they essentially amount to a complete ban.
The Tobacco Act, which came into effect in 1997, bans tobacco sponsorship, restricts the way cigarettes are advertised and requires large warnings on packages.
Full Story
Will the courts ruling have any effect on curtailing smoking?
More...