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• Commonwealth Brands Supports Smokers' Rights  

Commonwealth Brands, Inc. the fourth largest tobacco manufacturer in the United States has expressed its concern over Missouri's newly proposed statewide smoking ban. Commonwealth believes that smoking bans "infringe upon the freedoms and rights of our smokers." Missouri's existing legislation, which leaves the option of whether to ban smoking or not to the patrons and management of public premises is a perfectly workable and fair solution.

In the Bill proposed by Senator Bray, smoking will be prohibited in public buildings and vehicles, bars, restaurants, and within 15 feet of any entrance to a public place or meeting. There are no exemptions envisaged for any business.

Not only could a wholesale smoking ban be very costly for the state of Missouri but Commonwealth Brands, Inc. stated that, "Where bans have been enacted, the leisure and hospitality industries have witnessed a decline in employment of between 4-16%," and in the case of Missouri the effect could be even more pronounced given the current difficult economic times.

A spokesperson for Commonwealth Brands, Inc. stated that, "Above all else, our consumers, who are legally entitled to purchase and consume our products, disagree with your proposal, which is why we oppose this bill."

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