Should we be surprised? According to a report by Reuters, tobacco companies and retailers have filed a lawsuit protesting the anti-smoking signs in New York City. The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday by Philip Morris USA, Lorillard Tobacco Company, and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., along with two major retail trade groups and two convenience stores, which complained that the signs were in violation of the rights of sellers due to their being imposed on them.
The report quoted a few lines from the lawsuit, which read in part: “The government may not force private parties to carry messages beyond purely uncontroversial factual statements that are designed to prevent consumer deception,” and goes on to say that “The signs … do not describe the risks of smoking in purely factual terms. Instead, the signs force tobacco manufacturers and retailers to communicate vivid images at the point of sale.”
The New York City Health Department developed three signs that showed a decaying tooth, diseased lung and damaged brain. The signs show the harmful effects of smoking to the body and also carry slogans that deliver such messages as “smoking causes tooth decay,” as well as a helpline number to call for those who would like to kick the habit.
Retailers in New York City were required as of December to post at least one warning sign at the cash register or next to the cigarette displays, or face a fine of $2,000. The measure is unique to NYC.
A smoke-free New York City is one of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s major priorities.
Tags: anti-smoking signs, anti-smoking signs decaying teeth, anti-smoking signs lung cancer, anti-smoking signs protest, new york anti-smoking signs, NYC anti-smoking signs
