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DrugScreening.org


 
Flavored Cigarette Sales Halted in 38 States
October 12, 2006

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News Summary

Tobacco company R.J. Reynolds has reached an agreement with 38 state attorneys general that bans sales of most flavored cigarettes, Bloomberg News reported Oct. 12.

The company agreed to stop selling cigarettes with names like Warm Winter Toffee and Beach Breezer amid complaints that the flavored cigarettes were being marketed to children. A company spokesperson said that the marketing of the products had led to "unintended perceptions and concerns."

The attorneys general contended that the flavored cigarettes violated the 1998 master settlement agreement between the states and the tobacco industry, which includes a ban on marketing tobacco to children.

The deal on flavored cigarettes "won't end tobacco marketing to kids, but it sends a strong message to Big Tobacco that its deceitful behavior won't be tolerated," said Matthew Myers, president of Washington-based Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. "There is no more recent flagrant example of tobacco marketing to kids than RJR's candy- and alcohol-flavored cigarettes."

The latest agreement bans the use of 28 product names that refer to flavors other than tobacco or menthol. 

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:
(Comments now appear first to last)

Posted by David McAllister on 20 Apr 08 06:22 AM EDT
The idea that adults can not buy and smoke chocolate flavored cigarette is ridiculous. Protect kids. That is important. Protect the rights of adults too. That is equally important. Black Hawk Tobacco will eventually sell flavored cigarettes. We do not market to kids, however. We think adults should be about to smoke flavored cigarettes if they want to do so.

Posted by Danielle on 01 Jan 09 06:16 PM EST
I find the fact that legislation tells me what I can and can't smoke to be an intrusion on my rights. If they are going to do away with flavored cigarettes, then knock out the flavored cigars and alcoholic beverages as well. Yes, we should protect the youth of the country, but if parents were more involved in the lives of their children and would teach them the negatives of smoking, then fewer would smoke. If Big Tobacco is advertising to children with flavored cigarettes usually only sold in shops where children CAN'T GO, then maybe they should outlaw flavored alcohol. It appeals to children just as much a flavored tobacco. I have a right to smoke any flavored tobacco that I want. Including Bubble Gum and Cotton Candy if I so choose. Bottom line, teach the kids and let the adults who do smoke actually smoke what they enjoy!

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