Tobacco

Oklahoma Supreme Court Pauses TSET Law, Sparking Debate on Tobacco Control Measures

by

OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Supreme Court has issued a stay on the law governing the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), halting its implementation temporarily. The decision comes amid ongoing debates about the future of the trust and its financial strategies. The stay was granted in response to legal challenges aimed at specific provisions of the TSET law, which primarily focuses on how funds from tobacco settlement revenues are utilized in the state. This legal move puts a pause on any changes to the management and allocation of those resources, which have been integral to … Read more

EU Tobacco Legislation Faces Uncertain Future Amid Political Shifts in the European Parliament

by

Brussels, Belgium — There has been growing concern among some European Union lawmakers over the potential reform of the bloc’s tobacco legislation, amid fears that an increasingly right-leaning European Parliament could lead to relaxed regulations favoring the tobacco industry. This apprehension stalls the hopes of those advocating for stricter tobacco control measures as the political landscape shifts rightward. The European Commission has faced calls to revise the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive and the Tobacco Taxation Directive. However, given the complex political dynamics within the European Parliament and the lobbying efforts from various member states, a … Read more

New Haven Imposes Sweeping Changes on Tobacco and Vape Sales: New Restrictions to Shape the Future of Local Retailers

by

New Haven, Connecticut — New restrictions aiming to halt the proliferation of tobacco and vape shops in New Haven were enacted this week as city officials take steps to address public health concerns. The Board of Alders approved the regulations, which were subsequently signed into law by Mayor Justin Elicker, targeting the establishment and visibility of nicotine-selling businesses. In a move to protect youth and reduce the visibility of tobacco products, the new laws create zonal restrictions that prevent new tobacco shops from being established near schools, houses of worship, parks, and other smoke shops. … Read more

Jury Hears Claims Against Tobacco Giant for Allegedly Targeting Massachusetts Preteen as Future Smoker

by

Springfield, MA — In a recent legal battle in Massachusetts, tobacco giant Philip Morris was accused by a Springfield jury of marketing its products to a young teen as a potential new consumer. This case, heard on Thursday, highlights tensions between corporate marketing strategies and public health concerns. Lawyers representing the state argued that the tobacco company specifically targeted a preteen, viewing him as a “replacement” customer to sustain their market base, primarily composed of adults who had succumbed to lung diseases from smoking. During the court proceedings, it was emphasized that such marketing practices … Read more