Supreme Court takes Mass. tobacco ad case

Article Abstract:

The US Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for spring 2001 to decide if states can ban the construction of cigarette billboards near schools and playgrounds. The case arose from regulations adopted by the state of Massachusetts in 1999 that prohibit cigarette outdoor advertising within 1,000 feet of any playground, park or school. The rules add that cigarette ads inside stores should be five feet off the ground so that children cannot see the products easily. Tobacco companies are contesting the state's ruling since it infringes on their free-speech privileges.

Massachusetts, Tobacco products

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Tobacco-industry largesse keeps Congress in check

Article Abstract:

The tobacco industry has made powerful friends in Congress because significant loopholes in laws designed to block donations by special- interest groups to politicians. The tobacco lobby has paid $34 million to Congressional candidates, members and campaign committees since 1989. The investments continue to aid the industry. For example, House leaders have proposed a bill to block a Justice Dept lawsuit seeking to get back hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars spent caring for people with smoking-related illnesses.

United States

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Federaljudge rejects request to consolidate tobacco cases

Article Abstract:

Philip Morris Inc's petition to have a landmark US lawsuit against the entire tobacco industry combined with similar lawsuits filed by five other countries has been rejected by federal district Judge Paul Friedman. He ruled that the industry would not be onerously burdened by each of these cases, which he noted required different preparation, because the cases would be heard on the same floor of the same building in the District of Columbia.

Washington, Philip Morris Inc.

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