Our Position on Smoking Restrictions

R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company does not oppose smoking restrictions in public places because we recognize and respect the fact that many adults prefer to work, shop and dine in smoke-free environments.

We support reasonable exemptions to smoking restrictions that allow owners of adult-only, age-restricted facilities like bars and taverns to set their own smoking policies, but we do not oppose legislative or voluntary proposals to ban smoking in offices, shopping centers, restaurants and other unrestricted areas. We believe that the owner of an age-restricted venue where adults gather to enjoy age-restricted products, like alcohol, should have the choice to allow adults to enjoy other age-restricted products, like tobacco, in their establishment.

In all circumstances, we believe adult smokers should avoid exposing minors, and women who are pregnant, to secondhand smoke, and that people should rely on the conclusions of the Surgeon General and other health authorities regarding smoking and health.

We are committed to working with legislators, business owners and others to find sensible solutions. The time has come for government, industry and other stakeholders to work together to resolve the contentious issues surrounding the use of tobacco products.