91998E3337

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3337/98

by Markus Ferber (PPE) to the Commission

(10 November 1998)

Subject: Advertising restrictions on alcohol and toys in France and Greece

The Confédération européenne des Producteurs des Spiritueux (European Confederation of Spirits Producers) and the Confédération des Brasseurs du Marché Commun (Common Market Confederation of Brewers) complained in 1994 to the EU about the French "Loi Evin" which largely prohibits alcohol advertising. The Commission is investigating the ban on French TV stations broadcasting sports programmes recorded abroad where these programmes contain posters advertising alcoholic products. As early as 1996 the Commission sent a reasoned opinion to France, instructing it to lift the ban within 40 days. However, the ban is still in place.

1. When does the Commission propose finally to take action to ensure that the French ban is lifted?

2. In Greece a ban on TV advertising for toys has been in place for some time. The principal aim of this ban is to protect the Greek toy industry from foreign competition.

When will the Commission take action against the advertising ban imposed by Greece?

Answer given by Mr Monti on behalf of the Commission

(5 February 1999)

1. With regard to the ban on television commercials for alcohol in France, the Commission has followed up France's response to the reasoned opinion mentioned by the Honourable Member by opening discussions with the French authorities. The purpose of these discussions is to get all the parties concerned (advertisers, broadcasters, the Conseil superieur de l'audiovisuel (CSA), the public authorities and sports federations) to agree on how to improve and clarify the existing code of conduct on the broadcasting in France of sports events which take place abroad and at which advertising hoardings for alcoholic beverages may appear on screen. Discussions are currently being held between the CSA and broadcasters on this topic. The Commission hopes that the advertisers, who had played no part in drawing up the original code of conduct, might soon be involved in the work. The Commission will assess the results of these discussions in 1999 and decide, on the basis of this assessment, whether to take any further action on the infringement proceedings which are currently under way.

2. As regards the ban on television advertising of children's toys in Greece, a letter of formal notice was sent to Greece in March 1997 under the procedure provided for in Article 169 of the EC Treaty. On the basis of the reply from the Greek authorities, the Commission felt there was a need to have a closer look at the issue of the risks which television advertising might pose to children.

The Commission intends to open talks with the Greek authorities on this topic in the near future.