Uruguay bows to pressure over anti-smoking law amendments : Tobacco giant Philip Morris accused of corporate bullying following government’s decision to water down legislation
Uruguay has promised to water down anti-smoking laws after pressure from the tobacco giant Philip Morris, prompting accusations of corporate bullying.
The government said it would amend legislation which slaps large health warnings on cigarette packets and bans the sale of those branded as “light”.
The laws, among the toughest in the world, were introduced four years ago by the then president, Tabaré Vázquez, who as an oncologist had seen the ravages of smoking-related cancer. Tobacco advertising and smoking in public buildings were also banned.
Earlier this year Philip Morris, which sells Marlboro and other brands in more than 160 countries, filed for arbitration at the World Bank’s international centre for settlement of investment disputes, claiming the restrictions hurt its business and violated Uruguay’s trade deal with Switzerland. The corporation is based in Lausanne.
