Tobacco Litigation and Enforcement
Landmark litigation against tobacco companies over decades of allegedly deceitful advertising and illegal marketing of tobacco products aimed at children has produced major changes in the way cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products are promoted.
The changes are part of a historic settlement in which seven tobacco companies agreed to put restrictions on their marketing practices and to pay a projected $206 billion over 25 years to California, 45 other states, the District of Columbia and five US territories.
Gone now are cartoon characters in cigarette ads, like the infamous Joe Camel, that appealed to youngsters. More than 14,000 tobacco billboard advertisements nationwide were replaced by anti-smoking messages. These and many other marketing restrictions apply to an overwhelming majority of U.S. tobacco companies through the Master Settlement Agreement, which is sometimes called the “MSA.” The changes required by the MSA are significant when you consider that health experts say most people can avoid becoming addicted to the nicotine in tobacco products if they can be kept tobacco-free during adolescence.
In January 2000, the Attorney General's Office began receiving California's share of the settlement, which is approximately $1 billion a year. Half the payment goes to the state, with the Legislature and Governor determining how the money will be used. The remainder is divided, based on population, among California's 58 counties and four largest cities for use as decided by each local government.
With the lawsuit settled, the Attorney General's Office directed the Tobacco Litigation and Enforcement Section to hold the tobacco industry accountable by ensuring compliance with the MSA. This web site provides information on the MSA, including the restrictions on the advertising and promotional activities of tobacco companies, as well as links to other Internet sites relating to tobacco litigation and tobacco control.