Virginia has received a substantial payment of $116.2 million from major tobacco companies under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, Attorney General Jason Miyares announced. The companies involved include Philip Morris USA Inc., R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Scandinavian Tobacco Group Lane, and ITG Brands LLC.
The Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, finalized in 1998, addressed Virginia's lawsuit against several tobacco companies over violations of consumer protection laws and deceptive marketing practices. The lawsuit was rooted in damages incurred by the state, including increased healthcare costs. Since then, Virginia has collected approximately $3.5 billion from the settlement.
Under the terms of the settlement, Virginia and 51 other states and U.S. territories receive annual payments. These funds help cover healthcare costs related to smoking-related illnesses. The agreement also establishes public health protections, including restrictions on youth marketing of tobacco products, sales of tobacco-branded merchandise, and tobacco-sponsored entertainment and sporting events.
Attorney General Jason Miyares, along with his Tobacco Enforcement Section, oversees the enforcement of the settlement. Their duties include ensuring Virginia continues to benefit from the agreement, as well as regulating Virginia's tobacco companies according to the settlement's provisions, alongside state and federal tobacco laws.
For inquiries about compliance or reports of underage or illicit cigarette sales, the public is encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Tobacco Enforcement Section by phone at (804) 786-0148.