Obama expected to sign tobacco bill

WASHINGTON Legislation that will impose stringent regulations on tobacco companies is expected to become law Monday.

President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act in an event at the White House Rose Garden Monday afternoon, according to published reports.

The law, which the House and Senate passed earlier this month, will prevent cigarette manufacturers from marketing their products as “light” or “low-tar,” ban cigarette flavorings – with exception to menthol – and require large warning labels on packaging.