News Summary: In-store tobacco apologies weighed
News Summary: Judge deciding if retailers must display tobacco co statements about smoking
SODA AND AN APOLOGY?: A federal judge will soon decide whether your next tank of gas or bottle of soda comes with a free apology from the Marlboro Man and Joe Camel as part of a recent ruling ordering a multimedia blitz stating that the nation's largest tobacco companies lied about the dangers of smoking.
THE BACKGROUND: The ruling ordered the companies to pay for corrective statements on cigarette packs, in print and on TV, radio and the Internet left open the possibility that retailers could be required to place large displays on their countertops.
POINT-OF-SALE: Retailers are concerned the signs would take away some of their most valuable selling space and would possibly imply their own guilt by association.
