Danish Industry calls Copenhagen’s fossil ad ban symbolic

The Capital Region branch of Danish Industry has called Copenhagen’s ban on fossil-fuel advertising “purely symbolic” and unfair to businesses, DR reported.

A majority in Copenhagen’s City Council approved the ban last week. It will cover municipal advertising spaces, including bus shelters and buildings, and prohibit adverts for air travel, cruises, petrol cars and hybrid cars. The city says the measure is intended to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.

Peter Lanng Nielsen, chair of the branch, said it was problematic for the municipality to restrict advertising for products that are legal under national rules. He argued that politicians should focus instead on supporting the green transition, and questioned whether the ban would have a documented effect on the climate.

Nielsen also expressed concern that the restrictions could later be extended to adverts for clothing, electronics or food.

Karoline Lindgaard, political leader of the Alternative in Copenhagen, rejected the accusation of symbolic politics. She said advertising influences consumers and that politicians have a responsibility to decide what products are promoted in public spaces.

Rasmus Steenberger, a City Council member for the Socialist People’s Party, also defended the ban, saying municipal advertising should not undermine efforts to improve air quality. The Red-Green Alliance, the Socialist People’s Party and the Alternative proposed the measure. The Social Democrats and the Social Liberal Party also voted for it.