Alain Juppé, mayor of Bordeaux, has just written to the French prime minister François Fillon to draw his attention to the continuing questionmarks over legislation on advertising and wine.
The text of the letter (translated from the French, I'm sure Mr Juppé made it sound more eloquent):
"I draw your attention to the difficulties facing our wine sector, confronted by ever more fierce competion both European and global. Their ability to communicate will be decisive in remaining a viable industry.
There is no doubt that the imperatives of public health have now been fully admitted by the professionals of the industry, and they are publicly committed to the European programme for wine and moderation. However, we are today the only producing country that does not include the internet among the media allowed for the advertising of our products.
Furthermore, what consitutes advertising is not clearly defined, and the most recent rulings seem to give very wide areas for concern - it seems it can be taken as advertising simply to mention wine in a press article. This situation means the media is employing self-censure.
It seems to me that it is imperative to resolve this situation as quickly as possible, taking into account the current fiercely competitive climate in which our professionals are working.
Remember that the wine industry represents 144 000 properties (and over 240 000 workers) almost 850 000 hectares, with a turnover of pour 11 billion euros, with 6,7 billion in export maarkets...
At a higher level, wine plays a large part in not only the maintenance of our beautiful countryside, but also in the image of France, its culture, its tourism and its quality of life.
I am very grateful for your response on the government's position on this delicate subject.
Alain Juppé'
