MARKETEL'S NEW CAMPAIGN "A DRAG"
By Adnews Staff
Montreal-based Marketel and the Ministere de la Sante et des Services sociaux du Quebec (Ministry of Health and Social Services) have launched a new advertising campaign to prevent teenagers from picking up a habit. Eight television commercials, six in French and two in English, encourage adolescents not to start smoking using the slogan 'Cigarettes...Such a drag!" (in French "Allume!"). In an attempt to reach youths on their own level, the agency recruited twelve "consultants" from the Youth Coalition Against Smoking to participate in creating the campaign. The Coalition was created by the Quebec Council on Tobacco and Health. In addition to advertising, several events throughout the summer in Montreal and Quebec City will promote the anti-smoking message. An event held today included young cyclists, roller-skaters and pedestrians handing out pamphlets encouraging adults not to smoke in their presence for the entire day. A Web site at <http://www.allumelagang.com> has also been created to provide information on the health risks of smoking and allow teenagers comment on the topic. Advertising is scheduled to run for the next year.