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The decision came down in a case of racketeering conspiracy against U.S. taxpayers filed by the Clinton administration against the big five tobacco companies, Altria, parent of Philip Morris; R.J. Reynolds; Lorillard; Brown & Williamson; and BAT. The decision is the harshest ever by far against the tobacco industry.

The decision by District Court Judge Gladys Kessler, declared among other things, tobacco companies are no longer allowed to sell “light” and “ultralight” cigarettes.

* the use of the terms “low tar,” “light,” “ultra light,” “mild” and “natural” are banned;
* for two years, big tobacco is required to buy full-page corrective advertising monthly in the Sunday editions of more than two dozen major newspapers with the schedule alternated so the ads appear at least weekly;
* major tobacco makers are ordered to run 15-second corrective TV spots once a week during prime time for a year;
* packaging and in-store signs must carry new corrective advertising.

Judge Kessler said she would have liked to have been even harsher with the tobacco companies, imposing sanctions that would have cost them billions of dollars, but said she didn’t feel she had the authority. One of the things that she was likely talking about was making tobacco companies pay for smoking cessation classes.

U.S. Court Bans Sale of ‘Light,’ ‘Ultralight’ Cigarettes [Ad Age]

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