PR Firm Wins Rulings in Florida Suit

The judge in Florida’s anti-tobacco lawsuit dismissed racketeering charges against Hill & Knowlton Inc., saying the publicity agency’s actions took place too long ago for it to be considered a partner in the conspiracy to misinform the public alleged by Florida in its $1-billion lawsuit to recover medical costs of residents made ill by smoking. Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Harold Cohen pointed out that Florida’s racketeering statute being used against tobacco companies was not passed until 1977, nine years after the public relations agency dropped its tobacco clients. But the judge kept Hill & Knowlton, a unit of London-based WPP Group, in the case so that if he wishes to enjoin tobacco companies or the firm from continuing in the alleged conspiracy, he will have the power to do so. Cohen also ruled during hearings before the Aug. 4 trial that neither Council for Tobacco Research-USA Inc. nor Tobacco Institute Inc. would be liable for paying any part of the health-care costs claimed by the state. Neither trade group is liable, because they did not manufacture or distribute cigarettes, Cohen said.