Generally speaking, the purpose of every ad is to get people to buy the advertised product. That also applies to cigarettes. Though, the difference is that the consequences on someones health due to smoking are so grave, that half of the people who smoke cigarettes die.
Beside the banners and ads in cinemas, that are already prohibited in many countries, the tobacco industry uses numerous other methods. Cigarette companies sponsor sports and music events and use celebrities for advertising. They use the internet and social media to get new customers. Additionally, they engage in educational and social programs (Corporate Social Responsibility) to promote a positive image of themselves.
The tobacco industry claims, that the only aim of their ads is to convince smokers to switch to their brand. But their marketing targets especially young people who later become smokers. The internal documents of the tobacco industry as well as studies on the effect of tobacco ads prove that.
Since 2021, the tobacco ad ban is slowly being implemented in Germany. Cigarette ads on banners are banned since 2022, this also applies to tobacco heating systems since 2023 and e-cigarettes since 2024. Although, the law still allows ads outside of stores in addition to sponsoring and promotions.
Click here to read more about how the tobacco industry advertises on social media: