Tobacco billboards snubbed out

About 100 tobacco adverts on billboards and bus shelters are being stripped away as they have to be completely removed by Monday under new regulations introduced last month.

Talks have been held between the health authorities and the tobacco industry on a grace period. During a meeting this week a number of deadlines were agreed upon.

When contacted, Health Promotion Department director Mario Spiteri confirmed that the meeting was cordial and a plan of action was discussed.

"This is a positive step in the right direction," Dr Spiteri said.

It was agreed that advertising material on shop canopies, sunshades, umbrellas and any other medium intended for communication outside shops, bars, other establishments or open places should be removed by April 15.

This deadline includes wrapped-up or spray-on adverts on vehicles.

Promoting smoking ancillary equipment or items such as cigarette rolling machines, cigarette paper or other cigarette covering, cigarette filters, cigar or cigarette holders, smokers' pipes or pipe cleaners and other equipment for preparing cigarettes or cigars is also forbidden.