How Will the Tobacco Industry Respond to the Menthol Cigarette Ban?

Abstract

In a continuation of federal bans against flavored tobacco and e-cigarettes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in April 2021 that it will be banning menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, citing reports of addictiveness and health risks, particularly among low-income smokers and people of color. The tobacco industry, predictably, is expected to fight the ban, but advocacy groups including the American Civil Liberties Union are also coming out against it, arguing that the ban will unfairly (and possibly punitively) affect Black communities, to whom menthol cigarettes have historically been marketed. This case asks students to discuss the ban and to assess its possible impact.

This case was prepared for inclusion in SAGE Business Cases primarily as a basis for classroom discussion or self-study, and is not meant to illustrate either effective or ineffective management styles. Nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any kind. This case is for scholarly, educational, or personal use only within your university, and cannot be forwarded outside the university or used for other commercial purposes.

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