Official Claims Cigarette Ads Target Black Youths
A tobacco company’s marketing campaign featuring hip-hop characters appears to be aimed at black youths in violation of a settlement between the industry and 46 states, the state attorney general in charge of enforcing the agreement said.
Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp.’s campaign for Kool cigarettes includes images of rappers, disc jockeys and dancers on cigarette packs and in ads. Under terms of the settlement, tobacco companies are barred from targeting teens through advertising or marketing.
“Its advertising, retail displays and packaging appear to be targeted to youth, and particularly African American youth,” said Maine Atty. Gen. Steven Rowe, who heads the tobacco enforcement committee of the association representing attorneys general.
Louisville, Ky.-based Brown & Williamson did not respond to calls seeking comment.
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