A bill has been introduced in the Florida legislature that would impose a 52 cent per-pack tax on cigarettes manufactured by companies that have not settled tort claims with the state.
Allocable Share Legislation Introduced in Missouri
Posted in Legislation, State Regulatory
Missouri, the last remaining state in which nonparticipating manufacturers can obtain allocable share releases from their escrow payments, has again introduced legislation to repeal the release mechanism. The bill, Senate Bill 629, was introduced on January 9th.
Obama Administration Punts on Petition to Recognize E-Cigarettes as an Alternative to Smoking
Posted in FDA
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.