Date: Friday, Aug. 23, 1996 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jim O'Hara, (301) 443-1130 FDA TOBACCO REGULATION Proposed Rule and Final Regulation --------------------------------------------------------------------------- REDUCING YOUNG PEOPLE'S ACCESS TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS PROPOSED RULE FINAL RULE Minimum age of 18 Same to buy tobacco products Ban vending machines and Same EXCEPT in certain self-service displays nightclubs and other "adult only" facilities totally inaccessible to persons under 18 Ban "kiddie" packs, "loosies," Same or free samples Ban mail-order sales Mail-order sales permitted --------------------------------------------------------------------------- REDUCING APPEAL OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO YOUNG PEOPLE PROPOSED RULE FINAL RULE Ban billboards within Same 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds Other billboards, outdoor Same EXCEPT color, imagery and in-store advertising limited permitted in "adult only" to black-and-white text only facilities if not visible from outside and not removable Advertising in publications Same with significant youth readership (more than 15% or 2 million) limited to black-and-white text only Ban brand-name sponsorship Same, INCLUDING cars and teams of sporting or other events; only corporate name sponsorship permitted Ban brand names on hats, Same t-shirts, gym bags, etc. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT HEALTH RISKS OF TOBACCO The proposed rule called for a $150 million annual fund, paid by tobacco manufacturers, to conduct a national educational campaign. The FDA will pursue the goals of the educational effort proposed in August 1995 by using Section 518 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Under the authority of this provision, the FDA will propose to require the six tobacco companies with a significant share of sales to children to educate young people about the health risks of using their products. This national campaign, including television spots, would be monitored for its effectiveness. ###