Anti-smoking efforts dragged into fray.(Philip Morris USA accused of using its youth prevention program to leverage in-store position)(Brief Article)

Advertising Age, January, 2002 by Dipasquale, Cara B.

The cigarette war has extended into the players' anti-smoking efforts, with Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. charging that Philip Morris USA is using its youth-smoking prevention program to further its leadership position in store.

While all the tobacco companies said they support responsible marketing that reduces the likelihood of youth smoking, Philip Morris' policy is the most stringent, making 15 cents of the 40-, 60- or 90 cents incentives received by retailers participating in its Retail Leaders merchandising program conditional to having no self-service of any tobacco products in their stores. The retailers must also be part of the industry-wide ``We Card'' program to reduce underage smoking.

Mark Kovatch, VP-trade marketing at B&W, said...

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