Tobacco

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

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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

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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

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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

$10 Million Verdict: Jury Holds Tobacco Giant Responsible for Massachusetts Woman’s Fatal Lung Cancer

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Springfield, MA — A jury in Massachusetts has found cigarette manufacturer R.J. Reynolds liable in the lung cancer death of a long-time smoker, ordering the company to pay over $10 million in damages. The verdict, issued after a four-day deliberation, includes $2.5 million in punitive damages and marks a notable decision on the accountability of tobacco companies in individual health crises. Jacqueline Penza, who passed away in 2018, had been a consistent smoker of Winston cigarettes, a brand produced by R.J. Reynolds, since she was a teenager. Despite being inundated with health warnings, Penza’s family … Read more