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French MPs back curbs on Black Friday promotions

Draft law in French Parliament aimed at cracking down on waste comes amid backlash against US-imported shopping ‘frenzy’.

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French MPs have proposed banning some Black Friday promotions as a backlash against the US-imported sales frenzy grows, reports the Financial Times.

The suggested ban is part of an anti-waste bill and aims to end false advertising of discounts.

The draft legislation would not hit the statute books in time to affect this year’s annual shopping craze at the end of the week: Black Friday refers to the Friday after Thanksgiving in November, when many retailers announce major price cuts.

The minister for environmental transition, Élisabeth Borne, this week warned of the “frenzy of consumption” linked to Black Friday.

The legislative amendment, brought by former environment minister and independent MP Delphine Batho, was adopted by a parliamentary commission this week and forms part of a draft law aimed at cracking down on waste and encouraging recycling.

“Amendment adopted, with a large majority,” wrote MP Matthieu Orphelin, a supporter of the measure, on Twitter. “Stop overconsumption and communications that trick consumers.”

Read more of this report from the Financial Times.