Sponsorship and philanthropy – The self-serving generosity of the tobacco industry in Switzerland

Taking advantage of permissive legislation, the tobacco industry has forged a large number of partnerships with cultural and social organizations in Switzerland. Theaters, museums, humanitarian and environmental associations receive donations that appear to be offered generously and without any strings attached.

This report reveals the false pretenses and strategy behind these “philanthropic” activities. While cigarette manufacturers claim that their goal is to provide selfless support to the communities where they operate, their internal documents and scientific literature show that they actually reap significant benefits in terms of image, access to legislators, and normalization. These phenomena represent obstacles that are incompatible with public health.

It is time for Switzerland to implement the measures recommended by the WHO and ban these practices.