States Get Tough with Internet Tobacco Sales November 17, 2000
News Summary
Several states are starting to crack down on tobacco sales over the Internet as a way to reducing underage smoking, the Christian Science Monitor reported Nov. 8.Rhode Island recently passed a measure that would tighten rules on the sale of tobacco over the Internet. The state became the first to pass such legislation; however, other U.S. states are considering similar proposals. The Rhode Island law requires sellers to ship cigarettes only to the address supplied during their online age-verification process.
"Our concern is that, even if the Internet is not a big source of cigarettes for kids now, as states make it more difficult for them to buy tobacco at retail outlets, some enterprising children will start to buy them on the Net and sell them to their peers," said Eric Lindblom, manager of policy research at the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids in Washington.
The Rhode Island law limiting cigarette sales over the Internet is supported by the tobacco industry. "We think there should be more states with restrictions," said Mark Smith, a spokesman for Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation.
But tobacco companies are currently challenging a law that was passed this summer in the state of New York. The measure, implemented over concerns of loss of tax revenue, bans the sale of tobacco on the Internet, through the phone, or by mail order.
COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE: