Banning tobacco billboards: the case for municipal action

Article Abstract:

US cities should feel free to pass ordinances banning cigarette advertising in many public places without fear of legal challenge. The city of Baltimore did so in 1994 and several other cities have followed suit. The only possible challenges to such laws are that they violate the First Amendment or are preempted by federal law. However, the Supreme Court has consistently given commercial advertising only limited protection. The High Court has even ruled in favor of state and municipal bans on cigarette ads, arguing that citizens are exposed to these ads against their will. And the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1969 only prohibits the regulation of the content of the ads, but not their placement. The Baltimore law only banned the placement of the ads in certain public locations. Baltimore's law was upheld by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. By focusing on the placement of these billboards and not their content, cities and states can get on with the business of protecting their residents from these ads.

Laws, regulations and rules, Advertising, Cigarettes, Billboards

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Alcohol-related injury death and alcohol availability in remote Alaska

Article Abstract:

Deaths from injury were more common among Alaska Natives in remote villages where alcohol was unrestricted. Alcohol is prohibited in about half of small, remote villages in Alaska. Researchers reviewed 200 injury deaths between 1990 and 1993 and found that 65% of the dead had a significant blood alcohol concentration, independent of alcohol laws. The rate of injury death was higher, however, among Native Alaskans from villages where alcohol was readily available. Local alcohol restrictions appear to have reduced alcohol-related injuries in this population.

Patient outcomes, Mortality, Wounds and injuries, Injuries, Native Americans, Native North Americans, Alaska

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Impact of banning alcohol on outpatient visits in Barrow, Alaska

Article Abstract:

A local alcohol ban in Barrow, Alaska may have reduced hospital visits for alcohol-related health problems. Residents of Barrow banned the sale, importation and possession of alcohol, then repealed it, then reinstated it over 20 years. Researchers found during a 33-month period that outpatient visits for intoxication, alcohol-related trauma and gastrointestinal problems, and other illnesses associated with drinking decreased substantially during the bans. Hospital visits associated with alcohol increased when the ban was not imposed.

Liquor laws, Barrow, Alaska

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