DOOR OPEN TO BANNING CIGARETTE BILLBOARDS [05/02]

The refusal of the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down a decision upholding Baltimore ordinance which virtually eliminated all cigarette billboards has provided a good opportunity for antismoking activists to seek bans.

Why not do the same in your state or city if no such move is underway.

The crucial court of appeals decision was recently posted on this (ASH's) Web Site where it can easily be downloaded and copied.

Meanwhile, you will be in good company.

The following jurisdictions are now actively considering laws which would ban or very severely restrict cigarette billboard:

On Wednesday, New York City Council Speaker Peter Vallone introduced legislation banning cigarette and smokeless tobacco advertising and promotion within 1,000 feet of playgrounds, schools, child day care centers, children's institutions and youth amusement arcades.

New York is the largest city to seek such restrictions and similar moves are now considered in other cities including Washington, D.C. and Seattle.

In the Seattle area, the King County Board of Health is scheduled to vote on May 30 on a proposal to ban tobacco billboard advertising within 1,000 feet of schools and other places where children gather.

The board is expected to vote later on related measures that would include regulation of the placement of tobacco items in stores where minors shop.

Baltimore, Cincinnati and Long Beach, Calif., are among cities that have previously passed legislation restricting tobacco billboard advertising.

In addition to banning billboards near schools, the New York proposal would prohibit the sale or distribution of hats, T-shirts and other promotional items with domestic tobacco brand names within 1,000 feet of schools and other places where children gather.

ACTION ON SMOKING AND HEALTH (ASH) A National Legal-Action Antismoking Organization Entirely Supported by Your Tax-Deductible Contributions NOW CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE 2013 H Street, NW / Washington, DC 20006 / (202) 659-4310