Judge throws out tobacco suit against Providence
Federal judge throws out suit brought by tobacco industry over RI city laws restricting sales
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- A federal judge has thrown out a lawsuit brought by the tobacco industry against the Rhode Island city of Providence over city ordinances that tighten rules on selling tobacco.
U.S. District Court Judge Mary Lisi on Monday granted the city's request to dismiss the lawsuit brought by several tobacco manufacturers and retailers, including Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co.
The lawsuit argued that the ordinances passed earlier this year violated their constitutional right to free speech, among other complaints.
One banned stores from selling tobacco products that have fruit or candy flavors. The other barred stores from selling tobacco products at a discount.
A lawyer for Philip Morris would not comment, and lawyers for the other companies did not immediately return messages.
Mayor Angel Taveras (tuh-VEHR'-us) says he expects an appeal.
