A coalition of anti-smoking groups accused Philip Morris International (PMI) of running Marlboro advertisements designed to win youth over to the best selling global brand.

More than 50 countries run ads using slogans like ‘Don’t be a Maybe – Be Marlboro’ that depict young people, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids said in a statement. The lobbying group was one of six organizations behind a report that calls on governments that don’t already have them to enact comprehensive bans on tobacco ads and promotions. The report asks PMI to stop the campaign immediately.
One country, Germany, derailed the ad campaign via a court ruling last October that held the ads targeted youth. PMI may appeal the ruling, the statement said.
Framework Convention Alliance, InterAmerican Heart Foundation and the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance are among groups backing the report.