Free speech concerns force San Diego to retrench on tobacco regulation

San Diego dropped its ban on tobacco ads within 1,000 feet of schools, libraries, arcades, rec centers and child care facilities. The National Association of Tobacco Outlets alerted the city to a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court allowing truthful commercial speech promoting legal products. The city is retaining its restrictions on the sale of tobacco at beaches, parks, airports, sidewalk cafes and sports facilities. (The San Diego Union-Tribune, July 21, 2015, by David Garrick)

San Diego can also enforce a law keeping retailers from placing tobacco products including e-cigarettes within two feet of candy and other products appealing to children. But the city repealed a law banning tobacco ads within four feet of the floor. (Asian American Trade Associations Council, August 21, 2015)