The US Department of Justice (DOJ) announced this week that tobacco companies in America will now be required to display signs at retail locations indicating the health risks and impacts of smoking as part of corrective measures issued in a lawsuit, over 20 years after the original filing.
In 1999, the United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against several major tobacco companies, accusing them of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The lawsuit claimed that tobacco companies deliberately misled the public about the risks of smoking for decades.
In 2006, a federal judge ruled that these companies were responsible for alleged violations of the RICO Act and ordered them to take corrective measures. The judge also noted that without such an order, these companies may continue to violate the RICO Act.
However, tobacco companies questioned the findings in court and delayed the implementation of the order. The original ruling was eventually upheld and an agreement was reached between the parties. The corrective measures were set to take effect in 2017.
These corrective measures include publishing statements in English and Spanish about the dangers of smoking in print, online, and on major television networks.
This week's announced measure is part of the yet-to-be-released final remedy in the decades-long legal collapse. It affects the defendants in this case, including Altria, Reynolds Tobacco Company, and four cigarette brands under ITG Brands LLC.
When reached for comment, a spokesperson for Reynolds stated, "We strongly support increasing public awareness of the dangers of smoking, but these efforts must respect the First Amendment protection measures applicable to all speakers, including tobacco product manufacturers. We cannot make any further comments regarding pending litigation.
Starting from July 1st, 2023, statements regarding the hazards of smoking will be displayed on prominent signage at thousands of retail locations. As announced by the US Department of Justice, approximately 200,000 retailers who have sales agreements with tobacco companies will be allowed to control how their tobacco products are displayed in stores.
These signs will include information on various diseases related to tobacco use, estimates of the number of people who die from smoking, and statements about the addictive nature of cigarettes.
According to an agreement reached with tobacco retailers in early May, these signs are expected to remain in place for two years.
For decades, tobacco companies have misled the public on the health hazards of smoking and have been ordered by federal courts to implement a series of corrective measures," said Chief Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski in a statement.
All of these measures have been implemented, with the exception of one - displaying corrective statements in retail stores that sell cigarettes. Today's order to implement the remaining remedies is a significant achievement, as it will educate American consumers and save lives," added Boynton.
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