Tobacco.org

Most tobacco law changes start next year 

Within the next 12 months, larger warning labels will be required on all smokeless tobacco packages and advertisements, and descriptors such as "light" or "mild" will be prohibited. Tobacco manufacturers can no longer sponsor athletic or cultural events, and advertising in most magazines and at the point of sale must be printed in black and white.

But the law is giving some of the more intense efforts at anti-smoking marketing - such as larger, graphic warning labels that cover the top half of the cigarette box - up to three years to go into effect. Despite the delay, some health officials are glad action was taken.

"If everything can fall into place like it's designed to, there will definitely be some excellent results from this," said Jason Bergstrand, tobacco prevention coordinator for Richland County Health Department. "The concern is that Philip Morris planted too many loopholes, so this particular law is susceptible to challenge."

He said the other concern is the "mobsters" on board, referring to the three positions that Philip Morris representatives will hold on a non-voting scientific advisory committee.

"They've already been convicted of racketeering,"

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