Prohibit the sale of inexpensive machine-made cigars.

April 13, 2010 - Published on March 19, 2010, the FDA issued a final rule that contains a broad set of federal requirements designed to significantly curb access to and the appeal of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to children and adolescents in the United States. (U.S. FDA publishes rules to protect our children that restrict advertising and marketing of tobacco products..)

As part of the rule.. Prohibits the sale of cigarette packages with less than 20 cigarettes..

But an even more important rule would be to Prohibit the sale of inexpensive (cheap, low priced) cigars sold individually (single, loosies) at convenience stores and gas stations. Such cigars are often marketed in youth-friendly flavors such as cherry, apple and lime and are sold for as little as 80 cents to $1. (John Middleton challenges ban on single cigar sales..)

Kathleen Dachille, Director of the Center for Tobacco Regulation at the University of School of Law: Studies have shown that the cigars have become increasingly popular among young people in predominantly black communities and can be a gateway to a lifelong cigarette habit. Many young people smoke cigars for the tobacco, but they can also be easily hollowed out and filled with marijuana. She said requiring that cigars be sold in packs of five will raise their price enough to deter some young people, who will also balk at having to keep and store the packs. If we can prevent children from initiating smoking with a very popular attraction, we may prevent a tobacco user from becoming addicted. (John Middleton challenges ban on single cigar sales..)


John Middleton Co., operating company of Altria Group Inc., Black & Mild is the most popular brand of cigars for smokers 12 and older. Nearly a quarter of 18- to 24-year-old blacks in the Baltimore area smoke B&M cigars.
Black & Mild increased its retail share, in 4th quarter 2009, of the machine made large cigar category by 1.2 share points to 30.6%. (Highlights - Altria - Q4 2009 Earnings Conference Call and more..)

The FDA Principle Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Joshua M. Sharfstein: When the Baltimore city's health commissioner noted that a new rule makes cigar sales consistent with the regulations requiring cigarettes be sold in packs of 20. Sharfstein - “These cigars pose every bit of the risk that cigarettes do”. The city’s code authorizes the health commissioner to abate nuisances, which Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon said is defined as “any health or safety hazard.” (Baltimore, MD bans inexpensive single cigar sales..)

For further information on the importance of probibiting the sale of individual (single) inexpensive cigars refer to with Dr. Sharfstein.

Some related news briefs:
Part 2: avoidance of nicotine addiction - remove the flavoring from all tobacco products..;
Baltimore, MD bans inexpensive single cigar sales..;
John Middleton challenges ban on single cigar sales..;
Tennessee - steps up enforcement banning sale of single cigarettes..;
October 1, 2008 - District of Columbia cigarette excise tax will increase from $1 to $2..
Ohio youth are using cigars and smokeless tobacco products and it is a continuously growing problem..