THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, September 27, 1995          TAG: 9509270447
SECTION: BUSINESS                 PAGE: D2   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
DATELINE: RICHMOND                           LENGTH: Short :   50 lines

RESTRICT TOBACCO ADVERTISING, BUT NOT NICOTINE, SURVEY FINDS

Most Virginians favor President Clinton's proposed restrictions on tobacco advertising, but they don't like his idea of regulating nicotine as a drug, according to a new poll.

The poll, commissioned by the Richmond Times-Dispatch and WWBT-TV of Richmond, found that 66 percent of 508 registered voters approve of additional restrictions on advertising by tobacco companies to help reduce cigarette smoking among teenagers.

But 54 percent of those interviewed oppose regulating tobacco as a drug. The other 46 percent agreed with the Clinton administration that tobacco should be considered a drug subject to regulation because it contains nicotine, which some scientists say can be addictive.

Tobacco is a rich cash crop and a major source of jobs for many Virginians. Clinton has accused the tobacco giants - among them, Philip Morris USA, Richmond's largest private employer - of putting profits ahead of public health.

The poll, conducted Sept. 11-18, was based on telephone interviews. Results could vary by 4.5 percentage points in either direction.

The poll also surveyed voters' attitudes on the state's new concealed weapon law, which makes it easier to obtain a permit for hidden weapons.

Fifty-six percent said the statute will contribute to violent crime in Virginia, while 28 percent said it will improve public safety. Sixteen percent had no opinion.

The new law was urged on the General Assembly by the National Rifle Association with the blessing of Republican Gov. George F. Allen.

Only 2 percent of those interviewed said they have a permit to carry a hidden gun.

Twelve percent plan to apply for a permit, which the law says a circuit judge must issue if an applicant meets specific statutory standards. The requirements include no felony record or history of mental illness. Eighty-eight percent have no plans to apply for a concealed weapons permit.

The concealed weapons law was enacted two years after Virginia became the first state in the nation to restrict residents to the purchase of one handgun a month.

KEYWORDS: TOBACCO

by CNB