Promotion of Tobacco Products: Issues and Policy Options

During the past year, several prominent voluntary health organizations and professional medical associations have called for a ban on all forms of promotion of tobacco products. The proposal raises complex issues, ranging from determination of the effects of tobacco promotion to assessment of the constitutionality of banning advertising of a legal product. We identify the issues that underlie the concern of health professionals, review evidence addressing these issues, and describe and discuss frequently mentioned policy options, especially the ban proposal.