PUBLIC STRONGLY SUPPORTS FDA RULES [07/08]

Specific results of a new survey by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids include:

* 83% said advertisements aimed at children, such as "Joe Camel" and the "Marlboro Man," should not be allowed in magazines with high teen readership;

* 79% said such advertising should not be allowed on promotions such as t-shirts, and ads should not be allowed within 1,000 feet of schools or playgrounds;

* 78% backed a ban on cigarette vending machines;

* 77% said tobacco companies should provide the funds (the FDA asked $150 million a year) to educate children on the effects of smoking.

The anticipated regulations are based upon a new legal principle established in a case brought by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) known as ASH v. HARRIS.

Also, in an unsuccessful law suit designed to stop the FDA from issuing the rules, the major tobacco companies charge that ASH's "threats," "pressure," and "a carefully orchestrated public relations campaign" were behind the FDA's proposed regulations.

ASH - ACTION ON SMOKING AND HEALTH 2013 H Street, NW / Washington, DC 20006 / (202) 659-4310