NATO - urging retailers to call their U.S.Senators to get the PACT Act passed..

February 3, 2010 - The National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO) is urging tobacco retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers to call their two U.S. senators and urge them to bring Senate Bill S.1147 up for a final vote by the full U.S. Senate. Senate Bill S.1147, referred to as the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (PACT Act), is a bill that will have a significant impact on reducing the illegal sale of tobacco products over the Internet, according to NATO. It also will aid in preventing underage youth from having access to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.

Background:

Protect Our Children - Make it illegal to use the U.S. Postal Service to deliver any form of tobacco product..

H.R. 1676, the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act (the PACT Act) of 2009, was passed 397-11 by the House of Representatives on Thursday, 5/21/2009. On November 19th the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved legislation and placed on the Senate calendar (Calendar No. 216) under General Orders.

Bill just needs the priority to come before the Senate to be discussed and then voted upon.

U.S. PACT (PREVENT ALL CIGARETTE TRAFFICKING ACT OF 2009) - This legislation is extremely important, it will effectively end Internet and telephone tobacco sales by stopping shipments of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.

NATO, Minneapolis, supports the PACT Act because it would enact the following provisions into law:
* Require payment of state and local cigarette and tobacco taxes on Internet sales.
* Regulate delivery methods, including age verification of the person at a residence.
* Prohibit the U.S. Postal Service from delivering cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to consumers through the U.S. Mail.
* Give the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) the authority to inspect records and inventories of Internet tobacco sellers.
* Increase the penalty for violating federal tobacco regulatory laws from a misdemeanor to a felony.

For its part, NATO is also faxing a personalized letter to all 100 U.S. senators urging them to take a final vote on S.1147. See reference: then click the Download Now button at bottom to view a copy of NATO's letter.

Reference: Pushing the PACT Act NATO urges retailers to call their U.S. senators, Convenience Stores/Petroleum (CSP) Daily News, 2/1/2010.

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U.S. - Senate Committee scheduled to vote on PACT..;
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