House panel considers legislation to permit FDA regulation of tobacco
The House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee is considering legislation that would grant the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory powers over tobacco products. Committee Democrats argue that such regulation is necessary to curb youth smoking and facilitate adult cessation, and argue that it is ludicrous to not exert some sort of regulatory powers over a product that kills consumers. Conversely, committee Republicans believe that shifting this responsibility to the FDA would place an undue burden on the agency, and that it makes little sense to regulate a product that is unsafe and has no health benefits. Click here to read more.

FDA chief assails tobacco bill
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach has submitted highly critical testimony of his agency’s ability to regulate tobacco manufacturing, marketing and sales, which is currently being considered by a House of Representatives subcommittee, Von Eschenbach expressed concerns to the House subcommittee that the bill might not provide sufficient funding, that it might be difficult for the FDA to implement the change, and that it could weaken the agency’s mission. Click here to read more

California: Smoking ban looms for Belmont apartment dwellers
The city of Belmont, California is poised to be the first to outlaw smoking in multi-unit housing complexes. Legislation recently passed by the City Council on a 3-2 vote will outlaw smoking in multi-unit residences, parks, outdoor restaurants and other public places. The ban is scheduled to be implemented in early 2009, which means that smokers in multi-unit complexes have just over a year to quit smoking, negotiate a compromise with their non-smoking neighbors, or move. The ban will be upheld and enforced only if residents file a complaint. Click here to read more about the decision.

California bans smoking in cars with child passengers
California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed into law legislation that outlaws smoking in cars with children under the age of 18 present. Violators will face a fine up to $100, although to be eligible for the citation drivers would need to be stopped for another traffic infringement. California is the third state to pass such legislation, and joins Arkansas and Louisiana, who passed vehicle smoking restrictions last year. Click here to read more.

Maine bill proposes smoking ban in cars with children present
Maine state representative Patricia Blanchette proposed a bill that would ban smoking in cars with children under the age of 18. Violators would face a $50 fine. The city of Bangor already has similar legislation in place and while police say they have not yet issued a citation, there anecdotally appears to be less smoking in vehicles. The state legislature is expected to consider the bill in early 2008. Click here to read more.

Massachusetts Governor plans ban on smoking in casinos
Governor Deval L. Patrick is drawing up plans to ban smoking in three proposed resort casinos in the state. The casinos would be held to the same standards as other indoor establishments, which have been required to ban smoking since 2004. Some worry that banning smoking in these casinos will result in loss of business, as smokers might opt to gamble in Connecticut casinos or Rhode Island slot-machine racetracks, which are exempt from their states’ smoking ban. Others believe that the proposed casinos will make a profit either with smoking, or without smoking. Click here to read more.

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International

Ottawa: North America’s toughest anti-smoking strategy gets stronger
The already comprehensive Smoke-Free Ontario strategy will become even stronger through tax breaks on nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) that were announced in late September by Premier Dalton McGuinty. In order to make it easier for smokers to give up the habit, Ontario liberals are lifting the provincial sales tax on NRT products, including patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, sprays and tablets. Ontario has one of the most strict anti-tobacco strategies in North America, and tobacco control investments have increased by $50 million in the last four years. To read more about the Smoke-Free Ontario strategy, click here.

India: Tobacco products to carry scary pictorial warnings
India recently announced that it will require all tobacco products, including gutka and bidis, to display graphic pictorial warnings. The warnings will cover half of the package, and feature images depicting the dire health consequences of smoking tobacco. These images will replace skull and cross bone warnings, in order to avoid offending the religious sensibilities of certain segments of the population. Click here to read more or click here to read the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids’ response.

Olympics: Beijing cabs declared smoke-free zone
In an effort to make the city of Beijing hospitable for the 2009 Olympic Games, the Chinese government has banned smoking in taxis. Starting in October, drivers caught smoking will be eligible for a fine of up to 200 Yuan ($26.65), while passengers will also have to abstain. A Beijing health official also indicated that the city government would ban smoking and the sales of cigarettes at all Olympic venues and places of accommodation for the athletes. Click here to read more.

China calls for less smoking on TV shows
The Chinese government is urging television and film producers to edit out ‘unnecessary and lengthy’ smoking scenes after complaints from the public about the amount of smoking in a popular television series. In response, China’s State Administration of Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) stated that it would ask production companies and inspection agencies to avoid these scenes, although it will not outlaw the scenes due to lack of a legal basis for a ban. Click here to read more.

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