The Obama Administration, through FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products, recently responded to a 5,700 signature petition to support the “emerging technology” of electronic cigarettes.
U.S. Postal Service Expands Options for Tobacco Deliveries
Posted in Legislation
The 2010 Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (“PACT”) Act severely restricted the use of the U.S. Postal Service to deliver cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco.
Philip Morris Ordered to Pay Oregon over $47 Million
Posted in Significant Cases
Ending a decade of appeals, last month, the Oregon Supreme Court ruled that Philip Morris must pay Oregon approximately $47.7 million of a $60 million punitive damages award made by a jury in March 1999.
FDA Regulation of Electronic Cigarettes Could Lead to Restrictions on Online Sales
Posted in FDA
Although the PACT Act imposes a functional ban on online sales of cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco, the PACT Act’s remote sales restrictions are inapplicable to e-cigarettes. The Internet is perhaps the most popular venue for consumers to purchase e-cigarettes.
Orange Bowl Scraps Cigar Sponsorship
Posted in Legislation
Apparently bowing to political pressure from public health groups and three U.S. Senators, officials for the Orange Bowl announced yesterday that they have abandoned plans to have Camacho Cigars promote its products at game-day events over a three-year period.
Boston Public Health Commission Approves E-Cigarette Restrictions
Posted in State Regulatory
Following a period of public comment, earlier this month the Boston Public Health Commission approved rules that immediately treat electronic cigarettes as tobacco products.
New York City Ordinance Banning Sale of Flavored Smokeless Tobacco Upheld
Posted in Legislation, Significant Cases
Last month, a New York federal district judge upheld a New York City local ordinance that prohibits the sale of flavored smokeless tobacco anywhere in the city other than at existing “tobacco bars.”
Washington Bill Would Ban Flavored Tobacco
Posted in Legislation, State Regulatory
Potentially expanding the Tobacco Control Act’s prohibition on flavored cigarettes, and perhaps signaling the beginning of a nationwide trend, the Washington Senate has introduced a bill that would ban any type of flavored tobacco products.
Federal Judge Enjoins Tax Provisions of the PACT Act
Posted in Significant Cases
On December 5, 2011, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act’s (“PACT Act”) provisions which prohibit remote sales of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco unless the applicable state and local taxes are paid in advance.
Food and Drug Administration Solicits Comments on Brand Name Restriction
Posted in FDA
On November 10, FDA solicited comments on proposed amended regulations addressing the use of tobacco brand names that are also nontobacco brand names.