Tobacco Companies Worry About The Feds And Racing

05/31/96

Major tobacco companies spend megabucks supporting various forms of auto racing and are wary of federal legislation that might curtail their involvement. Cigarette biggie Philip Morris, maker of Marlboros, has proposed legislation to to regulate tobacco sales and advertising by banning cigarette vending machines that could cater to minors. They would also curtail sales of apparel that carry tobacco advertising such as Marlboro race jackets,caps, T-shirts. However they would not cut back in their sponsorship of rodeo and motorsports. The proposed legislation is to be introduced to Congress next week, but in the meantime the Supreme Court has ruled that advertising is a form of free speech protected by the first amendment.

Bill Maloney TACH