
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 15, 1995                   TAG: 9508150043
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: B6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: GREG EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

PAYNE PUSHES FOR BANNING FDA TOBACCO RULES

Speaking at a tobacco warehouse in Danville on Monday, Rep. L.F. Payne, D-Nelson County, said he intends to introduce legislation once Congress reconvenes next month that would bar the Food and Drug Administration from imposing new regulations on the sale and use of tobacco.

The FDA proposals, backed by President Clinton, include a ban on cigarette sales to minors; new restrictions on cigarette advertising; a ban on cigarette vending machines; restrictions on industry-sponsored sporting events; and the creation of a $150 million fund to educate children not to use tobacco.

Payne said he wasn't opposed to restrictions against children smoking but was worried the proposed FDA rules represent the first step toward banning all tobacco products. "If the FDA is given any regulatory power over tobacco, then there is no telling where the agency will stop in its anti-tobacco crusade," Payne said.

The regulations pose a threat to 5,000 tobacco growers in Southside Virginia, said Payne, who represents the majority of the state's flue-cured tobacco belt.

Payne said he had encouraged the administration to work with the industry to expand voluntary restrictions as an alternative.

by CNB