Advertising at the Point of Sale

Since December 2004, Tobacco advertising at the Point of Sale has been limited to the equivalent of one A5 size ad (21cm x 15cm) of which 30% of the surface area must include a health warning. Here are some examples of how the gantries displaying tobacco products looked before and after the regulations came into force.

Visit our Law Guide to find out more on the regulations on advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

Click on the images to see a bigger version.

1. Advertising before the ban 1. Advertising before the ban
This is a typical example of how tobacco advertising was commonly promoted at the Point of Sale before the regulations were implemented. Note the back-lit gantry (display unit) to maximise the visibility of the advertising. In addition to the large advertisement at the top of the gantry, the edges of the shelves also carried cigarette brand advertising.
Photo credit: Jane MacGregor, LACORS 
2. Compliant, after the ban 2. Compliant, after the ban
This unit has no tobacco branding. The upper part of the shelving is blank, although it is common for the word ‘Tobacco’ to appear on many gantries (see Image 4).
Photo credit: Jane MacGregor, LACORS
3. Compliant, after the ban 3. Compliant, after the ban
This unit carries a single ad, as permitted by the regulations. The overall surface area of the ad is equivalent to A5 and the accompanying health warning accounts for 30% of the total area.
Photo credit: ASH 
4. Compliant, after the ban 4. Compliant, after the ban
Note the single word ‘Tobacco’ in the top portion of the shelving has replaced the previous tobacco brand advertising.
Photo credit: ASH 
5. Non-compliant, after the ban 5. Non-compliant, after the ban
This photograph was taken in early January 2005. The shelving still carries advertising which is not compliant with the law. The retailer has been reported to the local Trading Standards Officer.
Photo credit: ASH