Attorney General's News Release

April 21, 1999

AG Nixon: Tobacco billboards are history

Jefferson City, MO — As of Thursday, tobacco outdoor advertising will be history in Missouri. Attorney General Jay Nixon announced today that the Marlboro man and Joe Camel, once common sights on billboards along Missouri highways, are riding off into the sunset for good.

Under Missouri's $6.7 billion tobacco settlement, signed by Nixon in November and approved by the trial judge in March, all cigarette billboards in Missouri must be down by April 22. An estimated 200 billboards across Missouri will be removed and at least 170 will be replaced by anti-smoking messages. Nixon said his office is working with the Coalition on Smoking and Health and Project ASSIST to replace the boards with anti-tobacco messages, paid for by the tobacco companies.

"This is a historic day for the state and for those who have fought long and hard to see an end to deceitful tobacco ads targeting young people," Nixon said. "April 22, 1999, will be seen as a turning point in the history of tobacco reform efforts in this county. I am proud of this accomplishment and the bipartisan efforts of Attorneys General throughout the country and health activists in Missouri."

As a part of the tobacco settlement, Missouri has $50 million held in escrow to cover the first payment to the state, once the state receives final court approval. More than 40 other states now have final approval, however, Missouri is facing appeals from numerous intervenors who are seeking a portion of the settlement money. The trial court rebuffed the attempts by the intervenors in March, but potential intervenors have filed an appeal of that ruling.

"Missouri may still be in court while other states are reaping the financial benefits of the settlement," Nixon said. "These Johnny-come-lately intervenors will delay the health benefits this money could bring to Missouri children as early as next year."

The appeals will not delay the reform measures of the settlement, Nixon said. Nixon said he will encourage the Missouri legislature to use a portion of the money to fund anti-smoking programs and education efforts aimed at young people. "It is appropriate to use a good portion of the settlement money in a way that will lessen the state's health care expenses in the future," Nixon said. "The cost to the state from tobacco use is why we filed the suit to begin with."

Nixon said any remaining tobacco billboards spotted in Missouri should be reported to his office by calling 573-751-3321 or 1-800-392-8222. Please note the brand name, the location of the billboard and the name of the billboard company, which is displayed at the bottom of the billboard. Nixon said billboard companies in Missouri have been extremely cooperative with his office and eager to assist in any way possible.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818