Amicus Brief Filed Against Legal Challenge from Tobacco Industry
Twenty-five leading public health organizations today announced that they have filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief supporting New York City's groundbreaking tobacco retail signage law against a challenge from the tobacco industry. The groups, ranging from the American Medical Association to the National Association of County and City Health Officials, to the Tobacco Control Legal Consortium, all are committed to fighting for the good health of New Yorkers, by having anti-tobacco posters be displayed at retail outlets where tobacco products are sold.
In June of this year, three major tobacco companies – Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds and Lorillard – filed suit to block the New York City Board of Health's requirement that retail outlets post hard-hitting anti-tobacco posters where tobacco products are sold. The tobacco companies have asked the court to keep the New York City ordinance from taking effect, but the City has asked that the court issue a judgment so that anti-tobacco signage can be implemented without significant delay.
Research demonstrates that graphic anti-tobacco messages are a critically effective means of lowering tobacco use. They reduce intentions to smoke among youth, and promote intentions to quit among adults. The New York City program, based on successful campaigns in Canada, Australia and other nations, has the real potential to reduce tobacco consumption and save lives. With this requirement, New York City once again showed itself as a major and innovative public health leader in the United States.