New tobacco restrictions take effect June 22
Enforcement of new regulations on the sale and distribution of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products starts June 22.
These new restrictions, which strengthen federal controls over tobacco sales and marketing and include new protections for youths, are part of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act signed into law June 22, 2009.
The American Lung Association says "light " cigarettes are the most popular, and the organization hopes the new restrictions will help more smokers quit.
Some things to be aware of, when enforcement kicks in next Tuesday:
“Light” is history: Tobacco companies can’t use the terms “light” or “low-tar” or mild” on their products. Read the National Cancer Institute’s explanation of why these products are just as harmful as regular or full-flavor cigarettes at: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/light-cigarettes
No cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales to minors under age 18.
No single cigarettes or packages fewer than 20 cigarettes can be sold.
Vending machine sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco limited to adult-only places.
Free samples of cigarettes prohibited.
Tobacco brand names can’t sponsor athletic, musical or other social/cultural event or any team entry in those events.
Audio ads for tobacco products can’t include music or sound effects.
The sale or distribution of hats, t-shirts and other items carrying tobacco brand names or logos is prohibited.
Is this for real??? I suppose that similar regulations will soon follow for alcohol and alcohol-related products? Oh wait - that will never happen, because the policy-makers that are coming up with this garbage all drink, so they will never pass legislation that will endanger their ability to do so. Let's call this what it really is - it's not regulations to protect "family" or "children", albeit that may make the law sound noble and something that everyone should get behind - it's merely yet another way for the Government to step in and inflict yet another blow on the tobacco companies. If they're out to inflict a beating on an industry, they should direct their attention to the oil industry, who in my opinion, have been well-deserving of sanctions, excess taxation, and ridiculous regulation just like what the tobacco industry has been subjected to.
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