Health Ministry to Crack Down on Tobacco Ads at Cricket Venues

The Union Health Ministry is considering a directive to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ban tobacco-related advertisements at cricket venues. This move aims to curb the indirect targeting of youth through surrogate advertising of smokeless tobacco products.

According to a report by Live Mint, tobacco products endorsed by former cricketers and Bollywood celebrities are frequently displayed on hoardings at cricket matches. These advertisements, often disguised as promotions for pan masala or other edibles, circumvent existing laws prohibiting direct or indirect tobacco advertising.

"Cricket matches are popular among young people, and surrogate smokeless tobacco ads during matches, often endorsed by celebrities, indirectly attract them," said an official quoted in the report. "The Health Ministry's DGHS may communicate to the BCCI urging them to stop showing tobacco-related ads in any form."

India has implemented comprehensive measures to combat smokeless tobacco use, but more needs to be done. The broadcast of tobacco advertisements is prohibited under Section 5 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) and the Cable Television Network Rules.

Dr. S.K. Arora, former head of the Tobacco Control Cell at the Delhi government, highlighted the prevalence of disguised tobacco advertising. "These advertisements are well-known tobacco brands, but they are marketed as pan masala or other eatables to circumvent laws," he said. "We effectively stopped several such campaigns during my tenure."

The Health Ministry's potential directive to the BCCI is a significant step towards protecting youth from the harmful effects of tobacco use. By eliminating tobacco-related advertisements at cricket venues, the government aims to reduce the exposure of young people to these products and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Tags: #TobaccoAdvertising, #Cricket, #YouthHealth, #SurrogateAdvertising, #HealthMinistry