Federal Policy and Legislation
Selected Actions of the U.S. Government Regarding the Regulation of Tobacco
Sales, Marketing, and Use
(excluding laws pertaining to agriculture or excise tax)
Regulation
1967
Federal Communications Commission rules that the Fairness Doctrine (an attempt to ensure
that all coverage of controversial issues by a broadcast station be balanced and fair) applies to
cigarette advertising. Stations broadcasting cigarette commercials must donate
air time to antismoking messages.
1971
Fairness Doctrine antismoking messages end when cigarette advertising is prohibited
on radio and television.
1973
Civil Aeronautics Board requires no-smoking sections on all commercial airline
flights.
1975
Cigarettes are discontinued in K-rations and C-rations given to soldiers and
sailors.
1987
Department of Health and Human Services establishes a smokefree environment
in its facilities.
1992
Federal Trade Commission takes first enforcement action under the Comprehensive
Smokeless Tobacco Health Education Act, alleging that Pinkerton Tobacco Company's
Red Man brand name appeared illegally during a televised event.
1993
Environmental Protection Agency releases final risk assessment on environmental
tobacco smoke (ETS) and classifies ETS as a "Group A" (known human) carcinogen.
1994
Occupational Safety and Health Administration announces proposed regulation
to prohibit smoking in the workplace, except in separately ventilated smoking
rooms.
1994
Department of Defense (DOD) bans smoking in DOD workplaces.
1995
Department of Justice reaches a settlement with Philip Morris to remove tobacco
advertisements from the line of sight of television cameras in sports stadiums.
1995
President Clinton announces the publication of the Food and Drug Administration's
proposed regulations that would restrict the sale, distribution, and marketing
of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to protect children and adolescents.
1996
On August 23, 1996, President Clinton announces the nation's first comprehensive
program to prevent children and adolescents from smoking cigarettes or using
smokeless tobacco and beginning a lifetime of nicotine addiction. With the August
1996 publication of a final rule on tobacco in the Federal Register, the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) will regulate the sale and distribution of cigarettes
and smokeless tobacco to children and adolescents. The provisions of the FDA
rule are aimed at reducing youth access to tobacco products and the appeal of
tobacco advertising to young people. Additionally, the FDA will propose to require
the major tobacco companies to educate young people about the real health dangers
associated with tobacco use through a multimedia campaign.
1997
President Clinton announces an Executive Order to make all federal workplaces
smoke-free.
2000
The Supreme Court rules against the Food and Drug Administration finding
that the agency lacks the authority to regulate tobacco.
Page last reviewed 02/28/2007
Page last modified 02/28/2007
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