Jump to full article: TIME Magazine, 2009-06-15
Author: Scott Olstad
Intro: The tobacco industry is no stranger to regulation, however. Over the past half-century, cigarette manufacturers have found ways to successfully sell their product despite increasing advertising restrictions and will no doubt try to continue to do so in the face of this new legislation.
Before the hazardous health effects of smoking were widely known, cigarette companies were able to advertise largely regulation-free. The first tobacco advertisement in the United States ran in 1789 when what is now the Lorillard Tobacco Company promoted their snuff in a local New York newspaper . . .
By labeling cigarettes as an "addictive drug" in 1996, the FDA sought to gain control over the industry and limit the sales and advertising of tobacco products. While its actions were supported by then President Bill Clinton, the Supreme Court ruled against the FDA in 2000, claiming the federal agency was never given the proper authority to regulate tobacco by Congress.
Once the new bill becomes law, the FDA will have the regulatory power over the tobacco industry that has eluded them over the past two decades. Among the new restrictions are a ban on tobacco advertising within 1,000 ft. of schools and playgrounds, a requirement that warning labels cover 50 percent of the front and back of cigarette packs and the end of sweetened and spice-flavored cigarettes. President Obama (who has struggled with his own nicotine addiction) lauded the bill, saying in a statement that its passage "truly defines change in Washington." He is expected to sign it into law in the coming week.
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