FDA Issues Final Regulations Restricting the Sale and Distribution of Cigarettes
FDA has issued a final rule restricting the sale and distribution of cigarettes. The final rule is very similar to the final rule on cigarettes and smokeless tobacco FDA issued in 1996. The rule prohibits the sale of cigarettes to persons under 18 years of age; distribution of free samples of cigarettes, and distribution of free samples of smokeless tobacco, with certain exceptions. In addition, the rule prohibits the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products through vending machines and self-service displays, except in facilities void of persons 18 years of age; limits the format for advertising and labeling to which children and adolescents are exposed to black-and-white and text-only; prohibits the sale or distribution of brand-identified promotional nontobacco items such as hats and tee shirts; and prohibits sponsorship of sporting and other events, teams, and entries in a brand name of a tobacco product.
