Tobacco

In 1998, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General reached a landmark settlement with tobacco companies. The office filed suit in response to serious concerns about the tobacco industry's marketing practices and public deception regarding the health risks that cigarettes pose to consumers.

The suit sought compensation for the millions of dollars the state pays in tobacco-related medical expenses each year. The Master Settlement Agreement resulting from the suit also provides for restrictions on the advertising and promotional activities of tobacco companies, specifically prohibiting the targeting of youth by banning the use of cartoons and other practices designed to attract underage consumers.

The original suit was filed in November 1996. Illinois was the 16th state to file. The state's share of this unprecedented settlement amounts to $9.1 billion.

Click on the following links for more information:

• Illinois Directories

• Manufacturer Information

• Distributor Information

• Statutes and Rules

• Illinois Department of Revenue Information

• Related Links

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