Tobacco Law Finally Going to be a Reality
Top government officials have finally taken the strict step. Fifteen years back the Food and Drug Administration department had tried to invoke the rule of banning sale and marketing of tobacco products to teenagers, finally the law is going to be put into effect.
It attracted huge controversy in 1995 when it was first proposed but was never made into a law. Such a law would have empowered the F.D.A to put a cap on tobacco products.
However, as soon as he came into power President Obama passed and signed the legislation. The legislation will now come into effect from June 22nd. The tobacco industry abides by the law and on every tobacco product there is an instruction that it is injurious to health.
But, quite obviously selling tobacco to minors is an offense, and if committed it is going to attract huge penalty. Well, the new law has to be applied through out the country.
“The historic rule we’re issuing today will help our kids to stay healthy,” Kathleen Sebelius, the Health and Human Services secretary, said at a news conference.
There are some loopholes in this too and such contentious issues will have to be thrashed out in the court. For example, this law will ban tobacco companies to use color advertising in their displays, which a federal judge in Kentucky found unconstitutional. The rule also prohibits tobacco companies from sponsoring any kind of sporting or entertainment activities. Outdoor advertisements any where near schools are also barred.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Commonwealth Brands, Anthony Hemsley expressed that his company does support a prohibition on the use of tobacco brands on non-tobacco products. It means that Marlboro cannot sell clothes under the name of “Marlboro clothing” as it is surrogate advertising.
However, it’s advantageous for Commonwealth Brands as it sells Fortuna cigarettes but they also sell rice crackers which are under a different name. However, Mr. Hemsley said, that it can tarnish the brand image.
“You can’t pick an ancient date and then try and remove hundreds of brands that companies have invested in over the years,” Mr. Hemsley said. “If they try to enforce that, we’ll end up back in the courtroom.”
According to the rule no cigarette packet should be below 20 cigarettes so that young children can not spend for that. It means outside vending will be banned. Whosoever sells tobacco must have displays showing that tobacco sale is restricted to adults only.
F.D.A. inspectors will investigate and try to ensure that the law is being followed, said Dr. Margaret Hamburg, F.D.A. commissioner. Violations will lead to first warning letters, then fines and finally seizures.
“These are all important new activities that will make a real difference,” Dr. Hamburg said.
Meanwhile, legislation was also passed which states that any tobacco product being sold on the Internet will have to pay sales tax. This actually bans distribution of cigarettes via mail, and will also require proper authentication of age during purchase.
