However, they fail to mention that most of these expenditures are not for the actual event but for the marketing costs of associating tobacco products with the event. The sports and arts communities depend upon them for their very existence. However, tobacco interests do not mention the difficult situation of many accomplished artists and athletes who are unwillingly put in the position of endorsing the use of an addictive, harmful product that they would never use, nor want anyone else, particularly youth, to use. Partial restrictions are preferable to a total end to these tobacco product sponsorships, despite the fact that the nature of promoting tobacco products is such that any loopholes may be used to circumvent the intent of the law. Those working toward healthy public policies can and do take concerted action against tobacco interests.
Leadership can come from many places.
Often, it is committed politicians or public servants who take the lead. In many countries, nongovernmental health, medical and consumers groups induce the changes. Key roles are often played by the media through analysis of the situation, coverage of the debate and editorial support for freeing sports and the arts from being a tobacco marketing tool. Religious leaders and spokespeople from the arts and sports community have also been shown to be able to play critical roles. The tactics of those promoting the health agenda can vary according to the nature of the players and the nature of the opposition to public health improvement.