Tobacco law challenged

TACOMA - R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. sued the state Friday, seeking to overturn a new law that bans the distribution of free tobacco samples.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, argued the law violates the First Amendment and is pre-empted by a federal law that bars states from regulating cigarette advertising and promotion.

The measure bans all distribution of free tobacco samples. “The new law is an unconstitutional attempt to prevent us from using an accepted form of product promotion with adult smokers,” said Darryl R. Marsch, senior counsel for R.J. Reynolds.

Supporters of the ban say there’s no way to fully monitor if samples get into the hands of minors.

The new law takes effect on June 7. R.J. Reynolds officials want a hearing before then.