Current law requires only broad disclosure of these expenditures. Political contributions by the industry, even when they are funneled through lobbyists, also must be reported. And any internal industry lobbying documents written after the tobacco lawsuit was filed in 1994 also must be disclosed. Thomas Briant, an Edina lawyer who represents wholesaler and retailer groups financed by the tobacco industry, said those organizations must decide whether to lobby on their own dime over such issues as retail-sale restrictions. Retailing will be a key battlefield in the tobacco wars.
Many stores keep cigarettes behind the counter, away from the grasp of children.
But Knapp, a veteran of legislative battles, is not convinced the lobbying restrictions will help her cause.