New York, NY – An appeals court says New York City cannot try to scare smokers by requiring grotesque images of diseased lungs and decaying gums at stores that sell cigarettes. It says the federal government gets to decide how to warn people about the dangers of smoking tobacco.
Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan issued its ruling Tuesday. It rejected a 2009 city Board of Health resolution requiring tobacco retailers to display signs bearing graphic images showing the adverse health effects of smoking.
The appeals court says the resolution is pre-empted by the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, enacted by Congress in 1965.
Richmond, Va.-based cigarette manufacturer Philip Morris USA says it’s pleased with the court’s ruling. The city’s health department says the ruling is likely to reduce the number of smokers who quit.
The evidence is that gruesome pictures generally do not dissuade people from smoking. A more sophisticated ad campaign emphasizing other negative aspects of smoking does work.
Hmmm, where are all the right-wing “states rights” advocates on this one?
Let freedom ring.
No and it should not but spitting blood will scare and the diagnosis of carcinoma too.
Now let’s get the court to abolish Herr Gloomberg’s Soda Ban! And then we can get of him as well.
As #! said: Let freedom ring!
Born free to live free!
having graphic posters in stores can be frightening for the children who see it. they can come in with their parent to get a quart of milk and see those pix.