Opponents of the sponsorship also said that cigar company sponsorships of sporting events should be prohibited under federal tobacco marketing restrictions. This belief points back to a 2009 law that granted the Food and Drug Administration the authority to regulate cigarettes and other tobacco products. The law gives the FDA the power to place marketing restrictions around the use of brand names to athletic events, musical events, and more. Cigars are not subject to those marketing restrictions as of yet since the FDA has not initiated its authority over them. That is expected to change in the future, however.

The pressure to end the Camacho sponsorship of the Orange Bowl is not the first of its kind to hit the sports world. Major League Baseball players recently agreed to not use tobacco during team functions or interviews before or after games. They also agreed not to carry any type of tobacco packaging in their pockets when fans are allowed onto the field. Many health groups have noted that since many athletes are role models, their use of tobacco products could produce a negative influence for many of the young kids who look up to them. Regardless of whether they have a point or not, you can count this latest story as another win for the anti-smoking crowd.

FDA Control Over Cigars Heavily Opposed by CRA

The possibility of the Food and Drug Administration gaining regulatory authority over cigars has caught the attention of the group known as Cigar Rights of America. According to a report by Reuters, CRA has decided to take action by filing registration papers to lobby Congress on legislation that would eliminate FDA regulation over cigars.