After years of hard work and dedicated effort, AWMA is pleased to inform our members that the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act or PACT Act has been approved by the U.S. Congress and is on its way to the President’s desk for signature.

Passage of  S.1147 on Wednesday in the U.S. House of Representatives represents a huge win for the distribution community and is a testament to the persistent and tireless efforts of our AWMA members in promoting this issue in Congress.  AWMA, as a leader of the Coalition to Stop Contraband Tobacco - a coalition comprised of almost 200 businesses, associations, individuals and other organizations, is deeply gratified by the passage of this important legislation in Congress.  Scott Ramminger, AWMA President, said, “in passing the PACT Act, Congress has made a definitive statement about its commitment to eliminate underage access to tobacco on the Internet, curtail associated illegal activities and capture lost state excise tax revenues.  “We applaud the House of Representatives for its action today and thank Congressman Weiner for his leadership in ensuring that contraband tobacco sales are eliminated.”

Anne Holloway, Vice President of Government Affairs for AWMA, also lauded congressional action on this legislation.  “AWMA and our members wish to thank all the lawmakers in Congress who voted in favor of this landmark bill recognizing the importance of the PACT Act in curtailing these illegal sales.”