• Washington Post, Friday, March 19, 2010 10:49 AM

New rules that take effect on June 22 severely restrict the way that tobacco companies can advertise and sell cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products, especially to children and teenagers. Lyndsey Layton reports that the rules are the result of the broad new powers Congress granted to the Food and Drug Administration last year to regulate the ingredients in tobacco products and the way they are distributed, sold and marketed.

"This is truly a historic announcement in our country's public health history," says Howard Koh, assistant secretary for health. "This is designed to prevent our children from becoming the next generation of Americans to die early from tobacco-related illnesses."

Among the key provision, tobacco companies are banned from sponsoring sporting and entertainment events; cannot give away cigarette samples or non-tobacco items with the purchase of tobacco. "Kiddie packs" of less than 20 cigarettes are banned, as are vending machines and self-service displays except in adult-only facilities. Court challenges to the regulations are in the works.

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