FDA Tightens Control on Tobacco Sales to Minors
On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed more restrictions governing tobacco and the youth, according to an article on the Los Angeles Times.
Among the rules that were mentioned are the outlawing of free cigarette samples and the banning of the use of tobacco brand names on promotional gear. Sponsorship of concerts and sporting events are now also banned – so we can forget about seeing billboards of the Marlboro man in billboards during football games.
A federal ban has also been instituted by the FDA on selling cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. This rule now creates what the LA Times termed as a “uniform standard” that will replace the various restrictions applicable for each state. Now, store clerks will need to check IDs to see if someone who would like to buy cigarettes is actually old enough to do so.
Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that the new rules will make it more difficult for tobacco companies to reach out to the younger generation, so kids will be less likely to start smoking and lead healthier lives during a press conference to announce the new rules.
In addition, cigarettes are now also banned from being sold in vending machines, except if the machine is located in a place that is inaccessible to people under 18. Cigarette packs with less than 20 cigarettes, which are usually cheaper and therefore more attractive to young buyers, are now also banned.
Tags: teenage cigarette abuse, teenage nicotine abuse, teenage smoking, youth smoking, youth tobacco
