New rule prohibits tobacco sales and marketing to kids

A new rule issued by FDA and authorized by the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act seeks to restrict the sale and distribution of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco to children and adolescents. This rule was published March 19, 2010, and became effective on June 22, 2010.

The rule prohibits the sale of cigarettes or smokeless tobacco to people younger than 18 years; prohibits the sale of cigarette packages containing fewer than 20 cigarettes; prohibits distribution of free samples of cigarettes; restricts distribution of free samples of smokeless tobacco; prohibits the sale of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in vending machines and self-service displays; prohibits tobacco brand-name sponsorship of any athletic, musical, social, or cultural events; requires that audio ads for tobacco use only words with no music or sound effects; and prohibits the sale or distribution of items, such as hats and shirts, with tobacco brands or logos.

For further information about this new rule, parents and healthcare professionals can visit http://www.fda.gov/protectingkidsfromtobacco