There are several laws pertaining to the sale, use and advertising of tobacco products.
Tobacco sales and smoking have been the topic of debate about health and law for decades. It wasn't long ago that smoking was a commonly accepted in society. People lit up in restaurants, stores and even in airplanes on a regular basis without legal consequences. However, laws on the state and federal level now exist that regulate the sale of tobacco products and where they can be used.
Sales To Minors
Tobacco sales are regulated on the state level, but 18 is the common age in the United States that is required to buy cigarettes, cigars or smokeless tobacco products. According to the American Lung Association's website on state-legislated actions on tobacco issues, states agree on 18 as the legal minimum age to purchase these items. Those selling tobacco products to minors can be fined by amounts as high as $1,500 for repeat incidents. In some states, such as Tennessee, local laws require retail salespeople to ask for a photo ID if the customer wishing to buy tobacco appears to be under a certain age. Many states use the age of 27, although some managers coach employees to card all people who look 30 or younger.
Clean Air Laws
Clean air laws prohibit cigarette or cigar smoking in public places. These laws are also state regulated and vary by location. In Hawaii smoking laws are very strict; smoking is not allowed in any enclosed or partially enclosed public place. In addition, smokers must go outside the entrance and be more than 20 feet from the door before lighting up. Other states allow smoking in places that are designated as 21 and up only. This version of the law allows bars to keep their clientele happy by allowing them to smoke while they drink.
Product Warnings
Cigarettes have been linked to variety of health problems. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration requires the printing of warning labels on tobacco products. Currently the law requires tobacco companies to rotate four messages on cigarette packaging. The warnings state a "Surgeon General's Warning" that may indicate the link to lung cancer, emphysema or pregnancy complications. Other warnings on labels include encouragement to quit smoking to prevent health problems, and the fact that cigarette smoke contains carbon monoxide.
Advertising
The Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act that requires warning labels on tobacco products also restricts advertising of the same products, according to The Center for Intellectual Property website. The law makes it illegal to advertise cigarettes and little cigars in electronic communications. This restriction applies to broadcast and cable television, satellite broadcasts and radio. Cigarette ads are also prohibited from appearing on billboards or from using cartoon characters in print media. In Europe the Internet has also become an illegal place for tobacco product advertising.
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