Alderman Gene Schulter Sponsors 'Kiddie Cigarettes' Ban

Joel J. Africk, Chief Executive Officer from the American Lung Association, applauds Alderman Gene Schulter on his recent sponsorship of the ordinance to ban the sale of "kiddie packs," cigarette packs containing fewer than twenty cigarettes, in the City of Chicago.

As you might know, the prohibition of kiddie packs is essential to reducing youth smoking in Chicago. These smaller packs of cigarettes are especially attractive to youth because they are less expensive than a regular pack of cigarettes, and easier to conceal. Because youth are extremely price sensitive, these packs provide them with an affordable starter kit. Once they are hooked, they can become trapped in this deadly addiction for life.

Throughout the country, fourteen states and the District of Columbia have banned the sale of kiddie packs. Many municipalities have also banned the sale at the local level across the nation.

While Illinois has not yet passed a statewide law, the Illinois House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill banning the sale of kiddie packs earlier this month. Unfortunately, the Senate will not consider the bill this year. Therefore, the City of Chicago is the state pioneer in this effort.

The American Lung Association commends Alderman Gene Schulter's commitment to keeping tobacco out of the hands of children in Chicago, and congratulates him for his success on passing this ordinance on May 1, 2002.