Jump to full article: New York Times, 2008-06-10
Author: Martin L. Orlowsky Chairman, President and Chief Executive, Lorillard Tobacco Company
Intro: "Opposition to Menthol Cigarettes Grows" (Business Day, June 5) misses the point that the effort to prohibit menthol as a flavoring in cigarettes is but the first leap toward a national ban on all cigarettes.
Almost 30 percent of adult smokers prefer menthol products, meaning millions of Americans would suddenly and arbitrarily be denied their preference of cigarette. They would almost assuredly turn to the black market to obtain the product they want.
History makes clear that prohibitions like this do more harm than good. . . .
Depriving thousands of hard-working Americans -- mom-and-pop convenience stores, tobacco farmers and everyone else in small companies that support the manufacture of menthol cigarettes -- of 30 percent of their business would be disastrous.
Coupled with the fact that the scientific research to date is inconclusive as to whether menthol products are any better or worse than nonmenthol products, it is clear that the advocated ban on menthol cigarettes is misguided and has the very real potential to harm our national and economic security.
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