Tuesday, April 01 2008
By Lynn Horsley
Prime Buzz (Kansas City Star)
Tobacco giant Reynolds American of Winston-Salem, N.C., told Prime Buzz today why it’s chosen to get involved in Kansas City’s April 8 election.
Reynolds American has contributed $220,000 to the No on 3 campaign, which is fighting a proposal to ban smoking from Kansas City’s bars and restaurants.
Spokesman Steve Kottak said the corporation, which is the parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., supports groups "where there is a commonality of interests." In this case, Reynolds American is providing 98 percent of the campaign funds for a group of Kansas City bar owners who oppose the ban.
The real issue is allowing adults to smoke in adult-only venues," Kottak said. "To provide a venue where adult smokers, or customers, have a place to use the product."
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