UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
In the Matter of
HAVATAMPA, INC., a corporation.
FILE NO. 002-3204
AGREEMENT CONTAINING CONSENT ORDER
The Federal Trade Commission has conducted an investigation of certain acts and
practices of Havatampa, Inc. ("proposed respondent"). Proposed respondent,
having been represented by counsel, is willing to enter into an agreement containing a
consent order resolving the allegations contained in the attached draft complaint.
Therefore,
IT IS HEREBY AGREED by and between Havatampa, Inc., by its duly authorized officer, and
counsel for the Federal Trade Commission that:
- 1. Proposed respondent Havatampa, Inc., is a Delaware corporation with its principal
office or place of business at 3901 Riga Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33601.
-
- 2. Proposed respondent admits all the jurisdictional facts set forth in Paragraphs 1
through 3 of the draft complaint.
-
- 3. Proposed respondent waives:
-
- a. Any further procedural steps;
-
- b. The requirement that the Commission's decision contain a statement of findings of
fact and conclusions of law; and
-
- c. All rights to seek judicial review or otherwise to challenge or contest the validity
of the order entered pursuant to this agreement.
-
- 4. The agreement shall not become part of the public record of the proceeding unless and
until it is accepted by the Commission. If this agreement is accepted by the Commission,
it, together with the draft complaint, will be placed on the public record for a period of
thirty (30) days and information about it publicly released. The Commission thereafter may
either withdraw its acceptance of the agreement and so notify proposed respondent, in
which event it will take such action as it may consider appropriate, or issue and serve
its complaint (in such form as the circumstances may require) and decision in disposition
of the proceeding.
-
- 5. This agreement is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission
by proposed respondent that the law has been violated as alleged in the draft complaint,
or that the facts as alleged in the draft complaint, other than the jurisdictional facts,
are true.
-
- 6. This agreement contemplates that, if it is accepted by the Commission, and if such
acceptance is not subsequently withdrawn by the Commission pursuant to the provisions of
Section 2.34 of the Commission's Rules, the Commission may, without further notice to
proposed respondent, (1) issue its complaint corresponding in form and substance with the
attached draft complaint and its decision containing the following order in disposition of
the proceeding, and (2) make information about it public. When so entered, the order shall
have the same force and effect and may be altered, modified, or set aside in the same
manner and within the same time provided by statute for other orders. The order shall
become final upon service. Delivery of the complaint and the decision and order to
proposed respondent's address as stated in this agreement by any means specified in
Section 4.4(a) of the Commission's Rules shall constitute service. Proposed respondent
waives any right it may have to any other manner of service. The complaint may be used in
construing the terms of the order. No agreement, understanding, representation, or
interpretation not contained in the order or in the agreement may be used to vary or
contradict the terms of the order.
-
- 7. Proposed respondent has read the draft complaint and consent order. It understands
that it may be liable for civil penalties in the amount provided by law and other
appropriate relief for each violation of the order after it becomes final.
ORDER
For purposes of this order, the following definitions shall apply:
- 1. Unless otherwise specified, "respondent" shall mean Havatampa, Inc., a
corporation, its successors and assigns, and its officers, agents, representatives, and
employees.
-
- 2. "Commerce" shall mean as defined in Section 4 of the Federal Trade
Commission Act, 15 U.S.C. § 44.
-
- 3. "Cigar" shall mean any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or wrapped
in any other substance containing tobacco, other than a cigarette within the meaning of
the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, 15 U.S.C. 1331, et seq.
-
- 4. "Little cigar" shall mean any roll of tobacco wrapped in leaf tobacco or
any substance containing tobacco (other than any roll of tobacco which is a cigarette
within the meaning of the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, 15 U.S.C. 1331,
et seq.) and as to which one thousand units weigh not more than three pounds.
-
- 5. "Premium cigar" shall mean a hand-rolled cigar that is wrapped in a natural
tobacco leaf wrapper.
-
- 6. "Commission" shall mean the Federal Trade Commission.
-
- 7. "Brand" shall mean cigars that bear a common identifying name or mark,
regardless of whether the cigars are differentiated by type of product, size, shape,
packaging, or other characteristic, and, in the case of generic or private label cigars,
means all cigars produced or imported by respondent or its affiliates.
-
- 8. "Package" shall mean any pack, box, carton, tube, can, jar, container or
wrapping in which any cigar is offered for sale, sold or otherwise distributed to
consumers, but for purposes of this order, package does not include: (a) any shipping
container or wrapping used solely for transporting cigars in bulk or quantity to
respondent or packagers, processors, wholesalers or retailers unless the container or
wrapping is intended for use as a retail display or (b) any wrapping or container that
bears no written, printed or graphic matter. Any package that is also used as a
point-of-sale display item shall also constitute "advertising" for purposes of
this order.
-
- 9. "Label" shall mean any written, printed or graphic matter affixed to or
appearing on any package containing a cigar, with the exception of any revenue stamp
affixed to a cigar or any cigar band with a total surface area less than three (3) square
inches.
-
- 10. "Utilitarian item" shall mean any item, other than cigars, that is sold or
given or caused to be sold or given by respondent to consumers for their personal use, and
that display cigar advertising such as a brand name, logo or selling message. Such items
include, but are not limited to, matchbooks, lighters, clothing or sporting goods. The
term "logo" includes any brand specific characteristics of a cigar, including
but not limited to any recognizable pattern of colors or symbols associated with a
particular brand.
-
- 11. Unless otherwise exempted by specific provision of this order,
"advertisement" (including the terms "advertise" and
"advertising") shall include any oral, written, printed, pictorial or graphic
representation made by or on behalf of respondent, the purpose or effect of which is to
promote the sale or use of any cigar manufactured or distributed by respondent, including
but not limited to a statement, illustration or depiction in or on a brochure, newspaper,
magazine, free standing insert, pamphlet, leaflet, circular, mailer, book insert, letter,
coupon, catalog, poster, chart, billboard, transit advertisement, utilitarian item,
sponsorship material, package insert, film, slide, or point of purchase display (including
any cigar package that can be used as an open package display or any functional item such
as a clock or change mat that includes advertising), any advertising on television, radio,
or the Internet, and any other electronic advertisement.
I.
IT IS ORDERED that respondent, directly or through any corporation, subsidiary,
division, or other device, shall not fail to disclose clearly and conspicuously and in the
manner set forth in this order one of the following statements on all cigar labels and,
unless otherwise exempt from disclosure by this order, in all cigar advertisements:
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Cancers
- Of The Mouth And Throat, Even If You Do Not Inhale.
-
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigar Smoking Can Cause
- Lung Cancer And Heart Disease.
-
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Use Increases The Risk
- Of Infertility, Stillbirth And Low Birth Weight.
-
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigars Are Not A Safe
- Alternative To Cigarettes.
-
- SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Tobacco Smoke Increases The Risk
- Of Lung Cancer And Heart Disease, Even In Nonsmokers.
Provided, however, that the warning statement requirements shall not apply to
company and divisional names, when used as such; to signs on factories, plants, warehouses
or other facilities related to the manufacture or storage of cigars; to corporate or
financial reports; to communications to security holders and others who customarily
receive copies of these communications; or to promotional materials that are distributed
to wholesalers, dealers or merchants but not to consumers, and are not for public display
or consumer exposure. In addition, these warning statement requirements do not apply to
shelf-talkers and similar product locators with a display area of twelve (12) square
inches or less.
II.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED THAT for purposes of this order, "clear and
conspicuous" disclosure of any warning statement required by this order means that
the warning statement shall be set out as follows:
- A. The warning statement shall be capitalized and punctuated as indicated in Part I of
this order, with the words "SURGEON GENERAL WARNING" printed in
uppercase letters in bold print and the remaining words printed with the initial letter of
each word in uppercase print and the remaining letters in lowercase print;
-
- B. The warning statement shall be printed in black against a solid white background. In
addition, the warning statement shall appear in two to four lines that are parallel to
each other as well to the base of the cigar package or advertisement; and
-
- C. The language of the warning statement shall appear:
-
- (1) For any cigar label, the warning statement shall be set out in the English language.
If the label of a cigar contains a required warning in a language other than English, the
required warning shall also appear in English.
-
- (2) For any cigar advertisement, the warning statement shall be set out in the English
language, except as follows:
-
- (a) In the case of any cigar advertising in a newspaper, magazine, periodical, or other
publication that is not in English, the warning statement shall appear in the predominant
language of the publication in which the advertisement appears; and
-
- (b) In the case of any other cigar advertising, the warning statement shall appear in
the language of the target audience (ordinarily the language principally used in the
advertisement).
III.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that in the case of any cigar label required by the order to bear
a warning statement, the following requirements shall apply:
- A. The warning statement shall be in a clear and conspicuous place on the principal
display panel of the label. The principal display panel is the part of a label that is
likely to be displayed, presented, shown, or examined under normal viewing conditions. In
the case of a rectangular or square cigar package, the principal display panel shall mean
the front or top panel of the package, whichever is larger. Provided, however,
that in the case of a rectangular or square package containing ten or more premium cigars,
the warning shall appear on the front or top panel of the package, whichever is the
principal display panel. In the case of a cylindrical cigar package, a clear and
conspicuous place shall mean along the length of the cylinder and perpendicular to the top
and bottom of the cylinder.
Provided, however, that in the case of any cigar package, the warning
statement shall not be deemed to be in a clear and conspicuous place if it:
- (1) appears or is affixed on the bottom of the package;
-
- (2) is printed or affixed on the tear line;
-
- (3) is printed or affixed on cellophane or any plastic film overwrap (with the exception
of any package whose label appears only on cellophane or plastic film overwrap); or
-
- (4) is printed or affixed in any other location that will be obliterated when the
package is opened.
-
- B. The warning statement shall appear in a clear and conspicuous and legible type and be
separated in every direction from other written or graphic matter on the label by the
equivalent of at least twice the height of the "W" in the word
"WARNING" in that warning statement.
-
- C. On a rectangular or square cigar package, the warning statement shall appear in the
type style Univers 57 Condensed in the following type size in relation to total surface
area of the largest panel of the package:
-
- (1) Surface area of less than 5 square inches
- Type size: 9 point
-
- (2) Surface area of 5 to less than 10 square inches
- Type size: 10 point
-
- (3) Surface area of 10 to less than 15 square inches
- Type size: 11 point
-
- (4) Surface area of 15 to less than 25 square inches
- Type size: 12 point
-
- (5) Surface area of 25 to less than 40 square inches
- Type size: 14 point
-
- (6) Surface area of 40 or more square inches
- Type size: 16 point
-
- D. On a cylindrical cigar package, the warning statement shall appear in Univers 57
Condensed type style in the following type size in relation to the lengthwise surface area
of the cylinder:
-
- (1) Surface area of less than 5 square inches
- Type size: 8 point
-
- (2) Surface area of 5 to less than 15 square inches
- Type size: 9 point
-
- (3) Surface area of 15 to less than 25 square inches
- Type size: 10 point
-
- (4) Surface area of 25 to less than 30 square inches
- Type size: 12 point
-
- (5) Surface area of 30 to less than 40 square inches
- Type size: 14 point
-
- (6) Surface area of 40 or more square inches
- Type size: 16 point
-
- E. The warning statements required by this order may be affixed to the cigar label by
sticker, provided that: the sticker is placed directly on the surface of the
package, and not on any cellophane or other plastic film overwrap (with the exception of
any package whose label appears only on cellophane or plastic film overwrap); the sticker
is permanent (non-removable) and durable; and the warning statement complies with all
other requirements of Parts I, II, III and VIII herein.
-
- F. Each cigar label shall meet the requirements of this order upon being prepared for
distribution in commerce for retail sale, but before it is distributed to be offered for
retail sale. In the case of any cigar that is imported, the warning statements may be
affixed in the country of origin or after importation into the United States, but shall be
affixed before the cigar is removed from bond for sale or distribution. This section does
not apply to any cigar that is manufactured, packaged or imported in the United States for
export from the United States, if the cigar is not in fact distributed in commerce for use
in the United States.
IV.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that in the case of any advertisement required by this order to
bear a warning statement, except advertisements covered by Part V of this order, the
following requirements shall apply:
- A. The warning statement shall appear in a ruled rectangular box with the enclosing rule
printed in black, and shall be centered both horizontally and vertically within the
rectangular box and separated from any edge of the rule by at least one-half the height of
the "W" in the word "WARNING" in the warning statement;
-
- B. The warning statement shall be in a clear and conspicuous place. For purposes of this
part, a "clear and conspicuous place"shall mean a location within the
advertisement that is separated from any other written or textual matter or any graphic
designs, elements or geometric forms by a distance from the outside rule at least twice
the height of the "W" in the word "WARNING" in that warning statement.
In addition, the disclosure shall not be positioned in the margin of a print
advertisement. Provided further, the warning statement shall not be included as
an integral part of a specific design or illustration in the advertisement, such as a
picture of the package, unless at least 80 percent of the area of the advertisement is
taken up by a picture of the package.
-
- C. The size of the warning statement shall be clear and conspicuous and shall be in
Univers 57 Condensed type style, with the following outside dimensions and type size in
relation to the advertising display area of the advertisement:
-
- (1) Total area of less than 15 square inches
- Border: 2" by ¾"
- Rule width: 1 point
- Type size: 9 point
-
- (2) Total area of 15 to less than 65 square inches
- Border: 3" by ¾"
- Rule width: 2 point
- Type size: 11 point
-
- (3) Total area of 65 to less than 110 square inches
- Border: 3½" by "
- Rule width: 2 point
- Type size: 13 point
-
- (4) Total area of 110 to less than 180 square inches
- Border: 4" by 1"
- Rule width: 2 point
- Type size: 15 point
-
- (5) Total area of 180 to less than 360 square inches
- Border: 4" inches by 1"
- Rule width: 2 point
- Type size: 16 point
-
- (6) Total area of 360 to less than 470 square inches
- Border: 5" by 1¼"
- Rule width: 2½ point
- Type size: 18 point
-
- (7) Total area of 470 to less than 720 square inches
- Border: 8¼" by 1¾"
- Rule width: 3 point
- Type size: 30 point
-
- (8) Total area of 5 to less than 10 square feet
- Border: 11" by 3½"
- Rule width: 6 point
- Type size: 43 point
-
- (9) Total area of 10 to less than 20 square feet
- Border: 1' 4" by 3½"
- Rule width: 8 point
- Type size: 58 point
-
- (10) Total area of 20 to less than 40 square feet
- Border: 2' 8" by 1'
- Rule width: ¼"
- Type size: 1½" (Cap Height)
-
- (11) Total area of 40 to less than 80 square feet
- Border: 3' 4" by 1' 2"
- Rule width: "
- Type size: 2¼" (Cap Height)
-
- (12) Total area of 80 to less than 160 square feet
- Border: 5' 8" by 2' 4"
- Rule width: ¾"
- Letter height: 3½" (Cap Height)
-
- (13) Total area of 160 to less than 350 square feet
- Border: 19' 4" by 7' 4"
- Rule width: 1¾"
- Letter height:11" (Cap Height)
-
- (14) Total area of 350 to 1200 square feet
- Border: 20' by 7' 8"
- Rule width: 2¼"
- Letter height:12" (Cap Height)
-
- (15) Total area of 1200 square feet or more
- Border: 27' 4" by 9' 4"
- Rule width: 3"
- Letter height: 1' 4" (Cap Height)
-
- D. In determining the outside dimensions, type size and placement of the warning
statement in any advertisement in a newspaper, magazine or other periodical that appears
on more than one page:
-
- (1) A double full page or multiple full page advertisement shall not be required to have
more than one warning, but the outside dimensions and type size of the warning statement
shall be determined by the aggregate advertising display area of the entire advertisement;
-
- (2) An advertisement that occupies one full page and part of another page shall not be
required to have more than one warning, but the outside dimensions and type size of the
warning statement shall be determined by the aggregate advertising display area of the
entire advertisement and the warning shall appear on the full page on which the
advertisement appears; and
-
- (3) An advertisement that occupies parts of two or more pages shall not be required to
contain more than one warning, but the outside dimensions and type size of the warning
statement shall be determined by the aggregate advertising display area of the entire
advertisement and the warning shall appear on the page that contains the greater (or
greatest) part of the advertisement.
-
- E. In determining the outside dimensions, type size and placement of the warning
statement on any point-of sale advertisement with curved, irregular or multiple surfaces:
-
- (1) In the case of point-of-sale items that are designed to contain products
("merchandisers") such as counter and floor displays, package dispensers, racks
and gondolas:
-
- (a) Where the merchandiser itself contains no cigar advertising, the merchandiser shall
not require a warning statement;
-
- (b) Where the merchandiser contains cigar advertising, the outside dimensions and type
size of the warning statement shall be determined by the aggregate advertising display
area of all of the surfaces containing such advertising;
-
- (c) On merchandisers displaying advertising on more than one side, the warning statement
shall be placed on the largest side of the item that is visible to the public from its
normal viewing position.
-
- (d) For merchandiser formats designed and in use as of May 1, 2000 where the height or
width of the display panel on which the warning statement must appear is less than the
height or width of the border of the warning statement required by Part IV.C of this
order, respondent may submit for approval, and the Commission shall approve upon a showing
of practical necessity, a warning statement that has an alternative outside border provided
that the warning statement has the same rule width, type size and total area as
required by Part IV.C.
-
- (2) In the case of functional items such as clocks, change mats, change trays and
welcome signs, the outside dimensions and type size of the warning statement shall be
determined by the surface area of that side of the item which contains advertising, unless
the advertising is clearly separated from the remainder of the area of that side by clear
border lines of a contrasting color and one-quarter inch in width, in which event the size
of the warning statement shall be determined by the surface area within the border area
containing the advertising.
-
- F. In the case of a cigar package that also can function as a point-of-sale display,
such item shall also comply with the advertising provisions of this order. In determining
the outside dimensions, type size and placement of the advertising warning statement on
such item:
-
- (1) in the case of a package that itself contains two or more packages of cigars, the
item shall comply with the requirements of Part IV.E.1 of this order; and
-
- (2) in the case of a package that contains two or more individual cigars, and can
function as an open package display:
-
- (a) the warning statement shall be placed on the principal display panel of the interior
of the package and shall be positioned so that it is visible to the public from any normal
viewing position; and
-
- (b) the outside dimensions, type size and style of the warning statement shall be
determined by the area of the panel on which the statement is placed.
-
- G. For any catalogue, leaflet, brochure or other non-point-of-sale promotional
advertisement that has more than one page:
-
- (1) An advertisement that occupies up to four pages shall not be required to contain
more than one warning, but the outside dimensions and type size of the warning statement
shall be determined by the aggregate advertising display area of the entire advertisement
and the warning shall appear on the page that contains the greater (or greatest) part of
the advertisement; and
-
- (2) An advertisement that occupies more than four pages shall be required to contain
multiple warnings on alternating pages, with the outside dimensions and type size of the
warning statement determined by the twice the advertising display area of the page
containing the warning.
V.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that in a television, radio, Internet or other electronic
advertisement, or any other audio or video advertisement, including but not limited to
videotapes, cassettes, discs, films, filmstrips, audiotapes or other types of sound
recordings, "clear and conspicuous" disclosure shall mean as follows:
- A. If the advertisement has a visual component, the warning statement shall be
superimposed on the screen in black print on a white background enclosed in a black
rectangular box format, as specified in Parts IV.A and IV.B above, and its size, duration
on the screen and location shall be sufficient for an ordinary consumer to read and
comprehend it;
-
- B. If the advertisement has an audio component, the warning statement shall be announced
orally and shall be delivered in a volume, cadence, and location sufficient for an
ordinary consumer to hear and comprehend it;
Provided, however, in the case of an audio advertisement in a retail store or
other place where cigars are offered for sale, no warning shall be required, even if
respondent provides an incentive for disseminating the advertisement, so long as the
announcement includes only the brand name or product identifier, the price, and the
product's location in the store.
- C. If the advertisement has both a visual and an audio component, the warning statement
shall be superimposed on the screen in a rectangular box format and announced orally in
compliance with the requirements set out in Sub-parts A and B of this Part V of the order.
In addition to the foregoing, in advertising in an interactive electronic medium such as
the Internet or online services, the disclosure shall be presented in an unavoidable
manner on every Web page, online service page, or other electronic page, and shall not be
accessed or displayed through hyperlinks, pop-ups, interstitials or other similar means.
-
- D. Pursuant to the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, 15 U.S.C. 1331, et
seq, it shall be unlawful for respondent to disseminate any advertisement for little
cigars on any medium of electronic communication subject to the jurisdiction of the
Federal Communications Commission.
VI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that in the case of advertisements for cigars on utilitarian
items:
- A. The warning statements required by this order shall be in a clear and conspicuous and
legible type and shall appear within the rectangular box format specified in Part IV;
-
- B. The warning statement required by this order must be in a clear and conspicuous
location on the object. A clear and conspicuous location on the object is one that is
proximate to and on the same surface as the cigar advertising, and is visible when the
brand name, logo or selling message is visible.
-
- C. The outside dimensions and type style and size of the warning statement shall conform
to the requirements set forth in Part IV.C of this order. For purposes of determining the
outside dimensions and type size of the warning statement, the advertising display area
for an advertisement on a utilitarian item shall be the visible area on which the
advertising appears. For example, the advertising display area for a shirt bearing a brand
name, logo or selling message on the front or back is the entire front or back of the
shirt, excluding any sleeves. For a shirt bearing a brand name, logo or selling message on
the sleeve, the advertising display area is the sleeve.
-
- D. If the cigar advertising appears in more than one location on the utilitarian item,
the warning either:
-
- (1) Shall appear proximate to each area with the advertising; or
-
- (2) Shall appear only once on the item, however, in such case, the advertising display
area shall be the aggregate of all the surface areas on which any advertising appears.
-
- E. The warning statement required by this order must be printed, embossed, embroidered
or otherwise affixed to the utilitarian item with a permanence and durability that is
comparable to the permanence and durability of the brand name, logo, or selling message. Provided,
however, that if a product brand name or logo is embroidered on a hat, and a legible
warning cannot be embroidered in the proper size due to technological limitations, the
warning may be affixed to the hat by another method, so long as its permanence and
durability is comparable to that of the brand name, logo or selling message.
-
- F. For fabric baseball style hats, the warning statement shall appear in the Number 3
size as set forth in Part IV.C of this order.
-
- G. For those utilitarian items under eight (8) square inches that are viewed
predominantly by the user, the warning statement shall be:
-
- (1) Printed on the package of the item, if the item is disseminated in a package to the
consumer. The total surface area of the package shall comprise the advertising display
area for purposes of determining the outside dimensions and type size of the warning
statement; or
-
- (2) Placed in the form of a sticker or decal directly onto the item in the Number 1
warning size as set forth in Part IV.C of this order. The item shall be
packaged in such a way to ensure that the sticker cannot be removed before it is received
by the consumer.
VII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that all cooperative advertisements paid for, directly or
indirectly, in whole or in part, by respondent must bear the required warning. Provided,
however, in the case of a print advertisement with a display area of four (4) square
inches or less, disseminated by a retailer, no warning is required so long as the
advertisement contains only the brand name or other product identifier and a price. In
addition, no warning is required in the case of certain in-store audio announcements as
described in Part V.B of this order.
VIII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that with regard to the rotation, display, and distribution of
warning statements on cigar packages, respondent shall:
- A. Display each of the five warning statements required by this order randomly in each
twelve (12) month period in as equal a number of times as possible on the labels of each
brand of the product and distribute the packages randomly in all parts of the United
States in which the cigars are marketed.
Provided, however, that for purposes of this order, the phrase "as equal
a number of times as possible'' shall permit deviations of four (4) percent or less in a
12-month period.
Provided further, that the term "random distribution" shall mean
that nothing in the production or distribution process of a cigar would prevent the five
warning statements on the package from being distributed evenly in all parts of the United
States where the product is marketed.
- B. No later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of this order, respondent
shall submit to the Commission or its designated representative for approval a plan that
provides for the display of the five warning statements on packages of cigars as required
by this order, and comply with the plan as approved. This plan shall be sufficiently
detailed to enable the Commission to determine whether the warning statements appear on
the package in a manner consistent with the requirements of this order. The equal display
requirements may be satisfied by one of the following three methods:
-
- (1) A plan may satisfy the requirements by providing for the engraving or preparation of
cylinders, plates, or equivalent production materials in a manner that results in the
simultaneous printing of the five required warnings in as near an equal number of times as
possible under the circumstances;
-
- (2) A plan may satisfy the requirements by providing for the preparation of separate
cylinders, plates, and equivalent production materials and requiring that they be changed
at fixed intervals in a manner that results in the display of the five required warnings
in as near an equal number of times as possible under the circumstances during a one-year
period; or
-
- (3) A plan may satisfy the requirements by providing that stickers bearing the five
required warnings be printed in equal numbers and affixed randomly to packages of the
product.
Provided, however, nothing in this part of the order requires the use of more
than one warning statement on the label of any brand during any given part of the 12-month
period except for a cigar package that also functions as a cigar display (which must also
comply with the advertising requirements of this order).
- C. A plan for the rotation, display, and distribution of warning statements on cigar
packages shall include representative samples of labels with each of the five warning
statements required by this order. This provision does not require submission of a label
with each of the required warning statements for every brand marketed by respondent, and
shall be deemed to be satisfied by submission of labels for different types of cigars, and
a range of cigar package sizes for each type of product.
IX.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that with regard to the rotation, display, and dissemination of
warning statements in cigar advertising:
- A. Except as specified in sub-part B. herein, respondent shall rotate each of the five
warning statements required by this order every three (3) months in an alternating
sequence in the advertisement for each brand of cigar. Provided, however, that
any rotational system may take into account practical constraints on the production and
distribution of advertising.
-
- B. On merchandisers, utilitarian items, and cigar packages that can function as open
package displays, respondent shall display each of the five warning statements required by
this order randomly in each twelve (12) month period in as equal a number of times as
possible, and distribute such merchandisers, utilitarian items, and cigar packages
randomly in all parts of the United States in which they are disseminated.
Provided, however, that for purposes of this sub-part, the phrase "as
equal a number of times as possible'' shall permit deviations of four (4) percent or less
in a 12-month period.
Provided further, that the term "random distribution" shall mean
that nothing in the production or distribution process of a merchandiser or cigar package
than can be used as an open package display would prevent the five warning statements on
such display items from being distributed evenly in all parts of the United States where
they are disseminated.
- C. No later than ninety (90) days after the effective date of this order, respondent
shall submit a plan to the Commission or its designated representative for approval that
ensures that:
-
- (1) On all types of cigar advertising, except those specified in sub-part B herein, the
five warning statements are rotated every three months in alternating sequence, and that
respondents comply with the plan as approved. This rotational warning requirement may be
satisfied by requiring either that all brands display the same warning during each
three-month period or that each brand display a different warning during a given
three-month period. A plan shall describe the method of rotation and shall include a list
of the designated warnings for each three-month period during the first fifteen (15) month
period for each brand. The plan also shall describe the method that will be used to ensure
proper rotation in different advertising media in sufficient detail to ensure compliance
with the order. For advertising in newspapers, magazines, or other periodicals, the method
of rotation shall be set either according to the cover date or the closing date of the
publication. For posters and placards, the method of rotation shall be set according to
either the scheduled or actual appearance of the advertising. The method of rotation for
point-of-sale and non-point-of-sale promotional materials such as leaflets, pamphlets,
coupons, direct mail circulars, paperback book inserts, or non-print items shall be set
according to either the date the materials or objects are ordered or the date on which the
objects or materials are scheduled to be disseminated, provided that the production of
such materials or objects is carried out in a manner consistent with customary business
practices.
-
- (2) On merchandisers, utilitarian items, and cigar packages that can function as open
package displays, each of the five warning statements required by this order is displayed
randomly in each twelve (12) month period in as equal a number of times as possible.
-
- D. A plan for the rotation, display, and dissemination of warning statements in cigar
advertising shall include a representative sample of each of the five warning statements
required by this order. This provision does not require the submission of all advertising
for each brand marketed by respondent and shall be deemed to be satisfied by submission of
actual examples of different types of advertising materials or acetates or other
facsimiles indicating the warning statements as they would appear in advertisements of
varying sizes.
X.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Commission intends that this order provide for a
uniform, federally mandated system of health warnings on cigar packages and advertisements
nationwide. Entry of the order will uniformly provide consumers in all states and
territories of the United States with clear, conspicuous and understandable disclosures of
the health risks of cigar smoking. The Commission shall consider a state or local
requirement for the display of different warnings concerning cigar smoking and health to
be in conflict with the requirements of this order, but only to the extent that any such
provision requires that the state or local warning appear on any package or advertisement
required to display the Federal warnings set forth herein.
XI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent shall be deemed to be in compliance with this
order if it has taken reasonable steps to:
- A. Provide, by written contract or other clear and prominent instructions, for the
rotation of the label statements required by this order;
-
- B. Give clear and prominent instruction and, to the extent possible, furnish materials
(such as film negatives, acetates or other facsimiles) for the production of cigar
packages and advertising that contain the required warning statements; and
-
- C. Prevent and correct mistakes, errors or omissions that have come to its attention.
Provided, however, that in the event of the distribution of labels or the
publication of advertisements that do not conform to this order, the burden of
establishing that reasonable steps have been taken to comply with this order (including
fulfilling the conditions described in this Part of the order) shall rest solely with
respondent.
XII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the cigar labeling and advertising requirements of Parts III
through VI of this order shall become effective one hundred eighty (180) days after
issuance of the order. Provided, however, that:
- A. The cigar labeling requirements of Part III of this order shall not apply to cigars
distributed in commerce for retail sale prior to one hundred eighty (180) days from the
date of issuance of the order.
-
- B. The cigar advertising requirements of Parts IV through VII of this order shall take
into account practical constraints on respondent with respect to the production and
distribution of advertising submitted for publication prior to one hundred eighty (180)
days from the date of issuance of the order.
XIII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that in the event the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising
Act, 15 U.S.C. 1331, et seq., or the Comprehensive Smokeless Tobacco Health
Education Act, 15 U.S.C. 4401, et seq., or the regulations implemented
thereunder, 16 C.F.R. 307, et seq., are amended or modified to change the size or
format of the warning requirements for the labeling or advertising of cigarettes or
smokeless tobacco, respectively, such action shall constitute sufficient changed
conditions to reopen this order to determine whether the size or the format of the warning
statements contained herein should be altered or modified to conform to the same or
similar size or format.
XIV.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent and its successors and assigns, for five (5)
years after the last date of dissemination of any cigar label or advertisement covered by
this order, shall maintain and upon request make available to the Federal Trade Commission
business records demonstrating their compliance with the terms and provisions of this
order, including, but not limited, to a sample copy of each advertisement and label
disseminated during such time.
XV.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent and its successors and assigns shall deliver a
copy of this order to all current and future principals, officers, directors, and
managers, and to all current and future employees, agents, and representatives having
responsibilities with respect to the subject matter of this order, and shall secure from
each such person a signed and dated statement acknowledging receipt of the order.
Respondent shall deliver this order to current personnel within thirty (30) days after the
date of service of this order, and to future personnel within thirty (30) days after the
person assumes such position or responsibilities.
XVI.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent and its successors and assigns shall notify the
Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to any change in the corporation that may
affect compliance obligations arising under this order, including but not limited to a
dissolution, assignment, sale, merger, or other action that would result in the emergence
of a successor corporation; the creation or dissolution of a subsidiary, parent, or
affiliate that engages in any acts or practices subject to this order; the proposed filing
of a bankruptcy petition; or a change in the corporate name or address. Provided,
however, that, with respect to any proposed change in the corporation about which
respondent learns less than thirty (30) days prior to the date such action is to take
place, respondent shall notify the Commission as soon as is practicable after obtaining
such knowledge. All notices required by the Part shall be sent by certified mail to the
Associate Director, Division of Enforcement, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade
Commission, Washington, D.C. 20580.
XVII.
IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent and its successors and assigns shall, at such
times as the Commission may require, file with the Commission a report, in writing,
setting forth in detail the manner and form in which they have complied with this order.
Signed this day of , 2000.
HAVATAMPA, INC.
By:
E. BARTON BRIDGES
President
L. ANDREW ZAUSNER
PETER J. KADZIK
Dickstein Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky
Counsel for Respondent
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
By:
MAMIE KRESSES
ROSEMARY ROSSO
MICHAEL OSTHEIMER
Counsel for the Federal Trade Commission
APPROVED:
C. LEE PEELER
Associate Director
Division of Advertising Practices
JOAN Z. BERNSTEIN
Director
Bureau of Consumer Protection |