Legal

National

Smokers fuming as ban looms at Churchill Downs
A judge recently overturned Churchill Downs’ exemption to Louisville’s complete indoor public smoking ban as a violation of the state constitution.  While the ban in Churchill Downs is being implemented after November 25, following the conclusion of the fall racing meet, smokers are reluctant to give up smoking at the track. Smoking will continue in the outdoor areas of the track.  To read more, click here.

Now, the stick: Workers pay for poor health habits
Companies have long tried to promote health among their employees by providing incentives for good health habits. A recent trend among employers is instead inflicting penalties upon workers who choose to put themselves at risk by smoking. Some policies include increased health insurance premiums, or even getting turned down for a job, for those who fail a health risk assessment or test positive for nicotine. Absenteeism due to health problems is of great cost to companies; despite arguments regarding civil liberties, many see tobacco cessation as the best way to keep employees healthy. Get more information on smokers in the workplace here.

Uphold tobacco verdict, U.S. asks
The U.S. government has asked that a 2005 court ruling against tobacco companies regarding the marketing of “light” cigarettes be upheld.  The 2005 court opinion was that marketing cigarettes as “light,” “low tar,” “mild,” “natural,” or “ultra light” is a misleading advertisement strategy not protected by the first amendment right of free speech. The appeal states that the previous ruling conflicted with Federal Trade Commission regulations, that the judge incorrectly applied a legal standard regarding future infractions, and that the tobacco labeling was not designed to be misleading to consumers.  Read about the verdict here.

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International

Landlord fined over smoking ban
The first fine for flouting the British smoking ban has been dealt to a pub owner named Hugh Howitt of Blackpool. Mr. Howitt pled guilty and was fined a total of500£ for five offenses, plus over 2000£ in legal costs, and had seven offenses discharged for the month of July. Fines are in place for both smokers and restaurant owners who disobey the new smoking law.  Click here to learn more.

Nigeria sues over child smokers
The Nigerian government is suing British American Tobacco (BAT) and Philip Morris International to seek $40 billion in compensation for the companies’ promotion of smoking, especially in children under the legal smoking age. Furthermore, the country is working toward an injunction for tobacco companies to stop marketing, sales, and distribution of cigarettes to minors. The government maintains that despite the country’s efforts to decrease smoking by imposing regulations on tobacco advertising and sales, tobacco companies have remained aggressive in their marketing of their products.  Read about the lawsuit here.

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