The city of San Diego has repealed a law that banned tobacco advertising because it violates the First Amendment free-speech protections according to a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune.
The repeal which the city council unanimously approved will once again allow manufacturers and retailers to speak directly to their customers about products. It also removed the 1,000 foot buffer for tobacco advertising around schools, libraries, arcades, recreation centers, and child-care facilities. However, it does not remove any of the smoking bans currently in place.
The zones were unconstitutional based on a 2001 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that commercial speech is protected as long as it remains truthful and promotes products that are legal.
