States Sue R.J. Reynolds, Charge Settlement Violations March 21, 2001
News Summary
California, Washington, Arizona, New York and Ohio have filed separate lawsuits against R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for allegedly violating advertising restrictions called for by the 1998 nationwide tobacco settlement, Reuters reported March 19.The states charged the tobacco company with marketing to children through magazine advertisements in Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated, People, Vibe, Allure, Spin, In Style, and other publications. In addition, the states accused R.J. Reynolds of displaying ads at major car races and on matchbooks.
Such advertising goes against the 1998 settlement in which cigarette manufacturers agreed to phase Ain restrictions on outdoor advertising and brand-name sponsorships.
"Unfortunately the states were not able to reach any sort of accommodation with Reynolds on any of these matters," said Attorney General Drew Edmondson of Oklahoma, chairman of the tobacco committee at the National Association of Attorneys General in Washington.
"Reynolds is the only major tobacco company that has employed these practices in marketing its addictive and deadly product since the agreement was concluded," he added. "We are serious about enforcing these provisions and protecting children against the same types of marketing practices that led the states to sue the tobacco companies in the first place."
R.J. Reynolds had no comment regarding the lawsuits.
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