How You Can Help Hold Big Tobacco Accountable
Nearly 20 years ago, a U.S. Federal District judge found that the major cigarette manufacturers violated civil racketeering laws for deliberately defrauding the public.
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Statement: Next Level of Tobacco Protection for NYC
May 2, 2013
Statement by Michele Bonan, New York City Regional Advocacy Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
Over the past 11 years, New York City's leaders have demonstrated not only a commitment to saving lives from tobacco but a thorough understanding of how to do so. Legislation to sensibly enforce, price, and display tobacco products, along with increasing the mandatory age to buy tobacco, are all prime examples of this understanding.
To effectively curb smoking rates is no easy feat. Big Tobacco has the force of an army behind it: the product itself is manufactured to create physical addiction, and its youth focused marketing campaigns are strategic and robustly funded. There is no magic wand or single policy that can quell these efforts. Instead, it takes a multifaceted, comprehensive approach to successfully keep kids from starting and help adults quit this deadly habit.
New York City has already built a fortress against the advances of Big Tobacco. We have strong laws on the books including smoke-free workplaces, a high tobacco tax and well-funded smoking cessation program locally. These initiatives have laid the groundwork necessary to safeguard public health. This new package of tobacco control policy will bring our city to the next level of protection and ultimately save more lives from cancer.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network stands with the New York City as they once again pioneer for public health. We encourage the swift passage of Int.1020, Int.1021 and Intro 250-A and look forward to a safer, healthier New York City."
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