RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company today filed suit in US District Court for the Western District of Washington (Tacoma Division) to overturn a recently enacted state law prohibiting tobacco companies from sampling products to adult smokers in bars, nightclubs and other adult-only venues.

In its court filing, RJR contends the new law, approved by governor Gregoire on 9 March, violates the First Amendment and is preempted by the Federal Cigarette Labelling and Advertising Act, the federal law that bars states from regulating cigarette advertising and promotion.
RJR says in its filing that forms of cigarette advertising and promotion are sharply restricted by the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). However, the MSA does not bar sampling in adult-only venues.
The new law is due to take effect on 7 June. RJR will ask the federal court for a hearing on its lawsuit before that date. (ci)