The US Supreme Court handed a victory to cigarette companies today by striking down most of the state regulations that restrict tobacco advertising near schools and playgrounds.
The high court overturned most of a US appeals court ruling that upheld the regulations in Massachusetts that sharply limit public display of tobacco products.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said the outdoor and point-of-sale advertising regulations relating to smokeless tobacco and cigars violate free speech rights, but sales practices regulations for all tobacco products were constitutional.
Most of the ruling was a victory for Philip Morris; R.J. Reynolds; Brown & Williamson Tobacco, a unit of British American Tobacco; Lorillard Tobacco; and United States Tobacco Co.
