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Proposes legislation that "would require mass transit authorities to maximize advertising revenues from non-fare box revenues" [hence allowing tobacco advertising on mass transit systems]. Identifies potential strategies: economic impact statement, legal support, expert witnesses, coalition allies, and media support.
States that in Chicago, smoker's court is used to harass Blacks and other minorities and that nearly 90 percent of all arrests in the city are of minorities. Requests distribution of this information to members of the Black community to illustrate the point that "such laws simply become a weapon in the hands of the majority."
Summarizes "Significant 1993" tactical and strategic activities. Discusses the defeat of a Pittsburgh outdoor advertising ban, the California "Cartoon" Bill, and the New York Outdoor Tobacco Ad Ban (Grannis Bill). Includes the following activities: development of comments on the Synar amendment to the Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration Reorganization Act of 1991; distribution of "It's The Law" material; the funding of Amicus Briefs "on a number of critical Supreme Court cases"; conducted commercial speech seminars; produced Washington Legal Foundation "backgrounders"; and sponsored the American Coalition for Entertainment and Sports Sponsorship.
States "since 1979, a series of no-smoking proposals has been introduced each year in the New York State Legislature," and "frustrated by the industry position and success, anti-smoking forces have sought other vehicles to restrict smoking such as county or local ordinances." Asserts "State Health Commissioner David Axelrod decided to utilize the Public Health Council to address the Governor's mandate and accomplish by administrative fiat what has been rejected by the State legislature for the last eight years." Outlines industry strategy to include: the blockage of implementation of Public Health Council's regulations "through court action, if necessary by the New York State Legislature and other aggrieved parties"; Stripping or redefining Public Health Council powers; and combining a grassroots letter writing campaign with direct lobbying to "prevent the state legislature from passing a smoking restriction law as a compromise." Describes content of proposed regulations, and discusses lobbying strategies.
States "here are the final six ads appearing in the Albany (NY) 'Legislative Gazette' against the Grannis smoking restriction bill" (not included). Indicates opinion that "the advertising program has been a positive part of our overall strategy on this legislation," stating that "it has enabled the industry message to be consistently in front of legislators and staff since early last month."
States author was approached by Senator Tarky Lombardi to discuss the "Grannis Bill." Indicates Lombardi "suggests that we move toward a compromise and support a bill embracing a new public policy regarding smoking in work places which would, in effect, legislate the employer's right to determine the conditions to be set his employees," and that this would get "good support . . . in the Legislature."
Expresses concern that Tobacco Institute lobbyists did not request a "slow roll call," through legislative supporters, for Grannis Bill vote. States "Sam, while we are disturbed by this defeat, we are more concerned about the way we lost."
Thanks recipient for "the marvelous reception." Requests copy of report commissioned by Tobacco Institute "on various aspects of public attitudes towards cigarette smoking and the tobacco industry."
Lists labor unions that are opposed to anti-smoking legislation.
States "on a flight back from Albany . . . Assembly Speaker Stanley Fink confirmed reports that he would not take an active role this year to seek passage of the Grannis Anti-Smoking Bill." Quotes Fink stating "you guys can defeat the bottle bill(s) and the Grannis Bill if you play your hand right." Continues with Fink's suggestion to "organize all the Mom and Pop stores, the bodegas and the food merchants . . . get them working on the legislators right now."
Presents discussion of Accommodation Program and pre-emption activities on the state and local levels. Indicates state level preemption is required to counter "PAC-man" style of local activity of anti-smoking activists. Discusses strategic approaches to enacting preemptive and accommodation legislation. States "local retailers would serve as our ears and eyes in every Massachusetts community," with special training to recognize local attempts to regulate tobacco products. Discusses legislation introduced in Ohio which would impose "a bureaucratic nightmare of hoops [that Boards of Health] must jump through before they can get their smoking ban proposals on the books." Relates experiences and strategies involving restaurants, businesses, and trade associations in implementing Accommodation Program.
Discusses the placement of point of sale material in retail outlets. Describes contacts and meetings with personnel of tobacco companies regarding the point of sale material.