Philip Morris and Lorillard filed federal lawsuits Friday challenging Massachusetts' attempt to further restrict tobacco marketing near schools.

The companies argue that the restrictions violate their First Amendment rights and that the multi-state settlement agreement already addresses concerns about advertising to children. The restriction on tobacco advertising is a first-in-the-nation effort made by the state attorney general's office under the Consumer Protection Act. Bill Porter, an assistant attorney general, said that RJ Reynolds and Brown and Williamson planned on filing similar lawsuits. Philip Morris spokesperson Brendan McCormick said the company had challenged sections of the consumer regulations "which we feel unduly restrict our right to market our products to adults who chose to smoke."

<< Prev	CIGoutlet.NET News Home	Next >>