Forty-two states have reached a settlement with Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company after the company violated the Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) by distributing branded merchandise.

According to the settlement announced Wednesday, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company agrees not to distribute the following types of brand name merchandise in the future: decorative tin signs, toys, games, fashion accessories, CDs, DVDs, video games, clothing, athletic equipment, outdoor gear, luggage, stationery items, house wares, and paintings or plaques intended for the home.
In addition, Santa Fe agrees to pay a penalty of USD 250 (EUR 189.2) for every future violation of the agreement.
The MSA, which was reached in 1998, required tobacco companies to pay more than USD 200 billion to 52 states and territories, and imposed significant marketing and advertising restrictions on the participating tobacco manufacturers. (pi)