Connecticut Attorney General's Office

News Release

Blumenthal Urges Passage of Laws to Restrict Youth Access to Tobacco Products

April 3, 1996

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today joined hundreds of students from around Connecticut to urge legislators to pass proposals that would restrict youth access to tobacco products.

Blumenthal is urging legislators to ban nearly all cigarette vending machines, eliminate the free distribution of cigarettes -- a favorite promotional device aimed at minors -- and provide civil penalties of up to $5,000 for violating the state law that prohibits cigarette sales to people under 18. The proposal also would require the suspension or revocation of tobacco dealers' licenses after three violations.

"As the evidence grows about the lies of the tobacco industry -- denials that they manipulate nicotine levels to addict smokers and relentlessly aim their ads at children -we are gaining momentum in our fight to keep tobacco products away from young people," Blumenthal said at the rally at the Capitol.

Blumenthal urged legislators to refuse tobacco industry campaign contributions.

"Let's cleanse the Capitol of big tobacco money -- the smoke blown by big tobacco companies at politicians in humongous campaign contributions. Let this message be clear: the health of our children is not for sale," Blumenthal said. "We can't match them dollar for dollar, but your support and presence here is worth millions."

"The tobacco industry's future, all its promotion and marketing, depends on enlisting 3,000 children as new smokers each day," Blumenthal said. "Ninety percent of adult smokers started when they were underage. Young people can be their own best friends by telling others that it isn't cool to smoke or chew, that it will kill and that Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man are duping them into addiction and disease."

"This legislation will send a clear message to children, parents and merchants that tobacco and kids are a deadly combination and that this state is committed to eliminating children's access to tobacco products," he said. "These barriers to tobacco products will enhance the health of our children and their children today and in the future."

The legislation before the General Assembly also includes an education and awareness campaign aimed at children. The education program would be conducted largely by private agencies that already conduct anti-drug programs.

The rally Wednesday, sponsored by a coalition of health and other groups, is part of a larger effort led by the attorney general to curb youth access to tobacco products. For the last two years, Blumenthal has led an effort among attorneys general to urge national fast-food chains to adopt smoke-free policies and, in conjunction with the American Cancer Society, has signed up 700 restaurants as smoke-free establishments in Connecticut.

In addition, the attorney general in January led 28 other attorneys general in urging the FDA to approve regulations to limit youth access to tobacco products. Blumenthal is also working with St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport and other health groups around the state to encourage teen-agers to quit smoking.