Supreme Court to Determine Whether to Hear Appeal of FDA Tobacco Rule

Washington, DC - On April 23, the Supreme Court is likely to decide whether it will hear the appeal of the FDA assertion of jurisdiction over tobacco products and the Tobacco Rule (No. 98-1152). This regulation, announced by President Clinton in August 1996, recognized the authority of the FDA over tobacco products and the tobacco industry, and was intended to restrict tobacco marketing and sales to children. The tobacco, advertising and convenience store industries have argued that the FDA has no jurisdiction over tobacco and that the Rule violates the First Amendment. The FDA and more than 20 states have countered the industry's claims. To help reporters untangle the web of legal arguments raised by this case, the CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS will hold a media briefing on April 22 designed to clarify the issues in the court case. The topics that will be covered at the briefing include the history of the appeal, what FDA regulation of nicotine would mean, and how this case fits in with many developments that have taken place on the tobacco front during the last two years. WHAT: Briefing on Supreme Court Decision to Hear FDA Tobacco Rule Appeal WHO: Matthew Myers, EVP and General Counsel, CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS Alison Zieve, Attorney, Public Citizen WHEN: Thursday, April 22 2:00 p.m. WHERE: CAMPAIGN FOR TOBACCO-FREE KIDS 1707 L Street, NW Washington, DC