Fight over Geneva street advertising continues

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The battle over street advertising in the City of Geneva continues.

The council debated for over 2 hours this week and approved the ban on advertising billboards on public property in the city by 2025 – seemingly ending a 5-year argument over the issue. 

Supporters say the billboards are unsightly and create obstructions for the disabled. 

But those against the ban say the boards are vital for local businesses to advertise themselves, and revenue will shift to online – only benefiting the big tech companies. Fees from the billboards bring in CHF 4m a year for the city. 

As soon as the council vote passed, a campaign was launched to take the issue to the people. 

Those against the ban have 40 days to collect 3,200 signatures to force a referendum. 

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