27/02/2005
NEWS STORY
Today, Sunday 27 February, marks the introduction of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which some have dubbed the Kyoto Agreement for smoking.
The anti-smoking pact, which has been signed by 168 countries, and ratified by 57 of them, means that those countries that have signed have to strictly tighten their anti-tobacco laws.
The 57 countries that have signed up to the FCTC will only be allowed to sell cigarettes with clear health warnings on packets. Furthermore, within the next five years they have to ban all tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. They must also reduce exposure to passive-smoking, which means a ban on smoking in all public places.
The situation regarding Formula One remains unclear, with some manufacturers intent on remaining within the sport. However, the announcement last week that McLaren-Mercedes has secured sponsorship from Whisky manufacturer Johnnie Walker - clearly at the expense of title sponsor West - is indication that the sport must brace itself for the inevitable.
Then again, many would argue that drink is a bigger blight on society than tobacco.