The policy makers will discuss warning labels, taxes, and limits on tobacco marketing. "The idea is that the people who make the laws never talk to each other about tobacco and kids," said Bill Novelli, head of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, one of the organizations sponsoring the conference.

The tobacco industry, however, is skeptical. Tobacco industry spokesman Scott Williams commented, "I think it's more a publicity stunt than anything else. If they want to get kids to stop smoking, why haven't they invited anyone from the industry?"

Novelli, responding to Mr. Williams said, "Right after the conference we would be happy to meet with the industry to tell them how they could protect kids."

The conference is sponsored by US Senators Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Ron Wyden (D-OR), along with several public health organizations.

Source:

THE CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR (on-line), (3/17/99) "Taking Tobacco Out Of Mouth Of Babes", Ron Scherer, p. 1