PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jul 21, 1999
Cigars Are No Safe Alternative Act - Prohibits any person from selling or distributing a cigar to any individual under 18. Requires that cigar retailers: (1) ensure that all cigars are located in areas where customers do not have direct access; and (2) sell cigars only in face-to-face exchanges (prohibiting sales through vending machines, mail-order sales, or the Internet). Directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to impose restrictions on the sale, advertising, distribution, and marketing of cigars directed at youth as appropriate to limit sale to individuals 18 or over. Prohibits advertising cigars on any form of electronic communication. Requires cigar manufacturers which pay for, or participate in, the placement of cigars in movies and on television where a substantial segment of the audience is under 18 to report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the FTC each time that occurs. Mandates health warnings on the labels of cigars and cigar packaging. Requires a study and report to Congress and the President on: (1) the health effects of occasional cigar smoking, nicotine dependence demonstrated by cigar smokers, biological uptake of toxic and carcinogenic constituents of cigars, and environmental cigar smoke exposure; and (2) the yields of tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and any other additive designated by the Secretary. Requires cigar manufacturers to report to the Secretary on those yields. Requires a study and report to Congress and the President by the FTC on current cigar sales, advertising, and marketing practices. Directs the Secretary to monitor trends in youth access to and use of cigars and, if cigars are inappropriately accessible to children and adolescents, to notify Congress and make recommendations.
People & committees
Rep. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA-7] · D–MA
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1623)
Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 20, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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