New TV Ads Show Kids Lighting Up

Tobacco foes began running television ads Tuesday that accuse cigarette companies of enticing minors. The ads show children smoking on street corners, purchasing tobacco and playing with Marlboro paraphernalia.

The unusual TV ads aim to lobby the new Congress against weakening the Food and Drug Administration’s tobacco crackdown.

The ads will air again in January when Congress convenes.

Anti-tobacco activists not only fear talks of a legislative compromise, but that Congress’ budget-writers this winter will refuse the FDA any money to enforce the regulations.