This 27-page Philip Morris (PM) strategy document from 1993 outlines how PM successfully fought a proposed smoking ban in Austin, Texas.
Among PM's core objectives stated in the document is to "Manage external and internal perceptions to benefit our business."
PM laments the effect smoking bans have had on its business:
"Smoking restrictions have been estimated, this year alone, to have decreased PM profits by $40 million."
The document discusses the company's application of its "Accommodation Program" as a tool to help prevent or delay the enactment of laws restricting public smoking.
Page 21 of the document indicates that PM is fighting popular sentiment towards smoking restrictions: ,
"--Antis continue to seek smoking bans on the local level. --Recent polling says Californians want smoking restrictions."
PM's strategies against public health efforts are revealed on the next pages:
"Introduce legislation to scatter anti's resources...pursue numerous accommodation bills...Pass language which allows smoking in California and preempts localities from approving more onerous laws..."
PM also reveals plans to attack and hobble the charitable health organizations that pursue smoking restrictions:
"Regulate charitable organizations... [pass laws requiring] reporting requirements for percent of funds used for research vs. salaries. Cap administrative costs, salaries, lobbying expenditures. Establish minimum percentage of funds for research..."
And more strategies for PM's use of its Accommodation program to "refocus antis" are revealed:
"--Seek local level Accommodation laws in a limited number of localities to refocus antis and show accommodation is acceptable."
In addition to revealing how PM "played" the city council in Austin to defeat the proposed smoking ban there, the document also discusses the company's strategies for defeating excise taxes.