14 September 2012 - Norway was acquitted today in the court case against Philip Morris AS regarding the Norwegian legislation banning the visible display of tobacco products and accessories in stores. The Norwegian Cancer Society intervened in this case as a friend of the State.

"The ruling is an important victory for public health. Many lives will be saved and much suffering avoided", says Anne Lise Ryel, Secretary General of the Norwegian Cancer Society. "Tobacco kills. In fact, as many as nearly six million people, that is to say more people than the entire population of Norway, die every year from tobacco-related diseases. It is inconceivable and it can be avoided."

The ban on the visible display of tobacco products aims at preventing young people from starting to smoke and at denormalising tobacco and all tobacco products and accessories. In addition, the ban will help people who are trying to quit smoking. Tobacco cannot be compared to other goods in the grocery stores.

The Norwegian Cancer Society highlighted the tobacco industry's methods in the court. In recent years, the industry has begun to systematically use the courts in order to delay or prevent countries and health authorities from introducing legislations that contribute to reduced tobacco use.

The verdict is in line with what is practiced in other parts of the world. Countries like Finland and Iceland have already implemented tobacco products display ban legislations, and the European Union and at least 18 countries around the world are considering doing the same.

This court case shows how important it is for countries to stand up to the tobacco industry and no longer let themselves be intimidated by the industry's threats of costly and protracted litigations.

• The State represented by the Ministry of Health and Care Services is acquitted.
• Philip Morris Norway AS shall pay the legal costs of NOK 1,364,200 (Norwegian Krone) to the State / Ministry of Health and Care Services  ​​within a period of two weeks from the day the verdict is rendered.

Press release - Norwegian Cancer Society