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Date: Friday, Aug. 23, 1996
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Jim O'Hara, (301) 443-1130

REDUCING YOUNG PEOPLE'S ACCESS TO TOBACCO PRODUCTS

PROPOSED RULE                      FINAL RULE

Minimum age of 18                  Same
to buy tobacco products            

Ban vending machines and           Same EXCEPT in certain        
self-service displays              nightclubs and other "adult
                                   only" facilities totally
                                   inaccessible to persons under
                                   18                            
               
          
Ban "kiddie" packs, "loosies,"     Same
or free samples

Ban mail-order sales               Mail-order sales permitted

REDUCING APPEAL OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO YOUNG PEOPLE

PROPOSED RULE                      FINAL RULE

Ban billboards within              Same
1,000 feet of schools
and playgrounds

Other billboards, outdoor          Same EXCEPT color, imagery 
and in-store advertising limited   permitted in "adult only" 
to black-and-white text only       facilities if not visible from
                                   outside and not removable

Advertising in publications        Same
with significant youth
readership (more than 15% or
2 million) limited to
black-and-white text only

Ban brand-name sponsorship         Same, INCLUDING cars and teams
of sporting or other events;
only corporate name sponsorship
permitted

Ban brand names on hats,           Same
t-shirts, gym bags, etc.

EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT HEALTH RISKS OF TOBACCO

The proposed rule called for a $150 million annual fund, paid by
tobacco manufacturers, to conduct a national educational campaign.

The FDA will pursue the goals of the educational effort proposed in
August 1995 by using Section 518 of the Federal Food, Drug, and
Cosmetic Act.  Under the authority of this provision, the FDA will
propose to require the six tobacco companies with a significant
share of sales to children to educate young people about the health
risks of using their products.  This national campaign, including
television spots, would be monitored for its effectiveness.