Synopsis
Cigar trade associations challenge Philadelphia flavored tobacco sales restriction on state-level preemption and Constitutional grounds.
Why It Matters for Public Health
This case is yet another challenge to a local ordinance restricting the sale of commercial tobacco products. However, this case is unique in that it argues that the ordinance is preempted by state, rather than federal, law. Some states have state-level laws that limit a jurisdiction’s ability to enact different, or stricter, policies. The Cigar Association here argues that Philadelphia is preempted from adopting its own restriction on the sale of flavored products. Preemption has been a common tactic by the Tobacco Industry to prevent local jurisdictions from determining which policies are most protective of the health of their residents.
Background
On December 18, 2019, the City of Philadelphia enacted a flavored tobacco product sales restriction covering all flavored tobacco products, including flavored cigars and rolling tobacco. The ordinance contains an exemption for businesses that prohibit entry to minors, do not serve food or beverages; and derive 90% of or more of its revenue from the sale of tobacco products.
District Court Proceedings
On June 18, 2020, the Cigar Association of America, ITG Cigars, Swedish Match North America, and Swisher International filed a complaint in Pennsylvania state court against the City of Philadelphia over its flavored tobacco products sales ordinance. The complaint contains several counts, including:
- The ordinance is expressly preempted by two separate state laws that regulate tobacco sales to minors and contain express preemption provisions;
- The ordinance violates the industry’s due process rights because its definition of “characterizing flavor” is ambiguous and does not provide guidance to sellers as to which products are prohibited and which are permitted;
- The ordinance violates the industry’s due process rights because it is not rationally related to the goal of addressing youth sales; and
- The ordinance violates the Pennsylvania Constitution because it is vague and ambiguous.
In addition to the request that the court issue declaratory relief on the preemption and constitutionality claims, the Industry Plaintiffs moved for a preliminary injunction to prevent enforcement of the ordinance pending judicial review.
On July 1, 2020, the City of Philadelphia filed a notice of removal to federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. A hearing on the motion for preliminary injunction occurred on October 7, 2020.
On November 13, 2020, the district court granted the motion for the preliminary injunction, finding in part that the Industry Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their state preemption claims. On December 15, 2020, the City of Philadelphia has appealed the district court’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Proceedings in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
On December 15, 2020, the City of Philadelphia filed an interlocutory appeal to the district court’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The City of Philadelphia submitted its opening brief on February 17, 2021, and the Cigar Association submitted its brief on April 2, 2021. Oral argument was held on June 23, 2021. The Third Circuit issued its judgment affirming the lower court’s decision on November 24, 2021.
Litigation Status (CLOSED)
Oral arguments in the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit were held on June 23, 2021. On November 24, the Court issued its judgment affirming the lower court’s decision, opining that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on the merits of their claim that state law preempted Philadelphia’s ordinance. The case was remanded to the lower court. On February 28, 2022, the parties settled and requested a permanent injunction consistent with the settlement agreement. The parties agreed that the Ordinance “is preempted by the current version of 53 Pa. C.S. §301.” The Court ordered the permanent injunction on March 8, 2022.