Attorney General Jason Miyares of Virginia announced the state has received a payment of $116.2 million from major tobacco companies. This payment is part of the ongoing Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement reached in 1998. Companies such as Philip Morris USA Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Scandinavian Tobacco Group Lane, and ITG Brands LLC made the payment.
The settlement resolved legal action that Virginia took against these companies for consumer protection law violations and deceptive marketing practices, which included increasing healthcare costs. Since the agreement’s inception, Virginia has received about $3.5 billion.
Virginia, along with 51 other states and territories, receives annual payments under this agreement. These payments assist in covering healthcare costs associated with smoking-related diseases. The settlement also imposes public health measures like restrictions on youth marketing of tobacco products, the sale of branded merchandise, and sponsorships in entertainment and sports by tobacco brands.
The Office of Attorney General Miyares, particularly its Tobacco Enforcement Section, oversees the enforcement of the settlement. It ensures Virginia receives its due benefits and regulates tobacco companies within the state according to both the settlement and applicable state and federal laws.
Contact the Tobacco Enforcement Section at (804)786-0148 for questions about compliance and reports related to underage or illicit cigarette sales.
