News Release June 11, 2001 Contact: Leonore McKean (212) 912-0960 Wal-Mart: The Ugly American What is Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott smoking? New York City, June 11, 2001. In the United States, placing cigarettes ads at every checkout counter is LEGAL. But Wal-Mart doesn't do it. "The health of our U.S. customers is important to us," according to a Wal-Mart spokesperson. Tobacco addiction kills more than 400,000 Americans each year. But in less developed countries, where customers are less informed, Wal-Mart pushes Marlboro ads at every checkout counter. "The health of our customers in less developed countries is not our top priority," says a Wal-Mart spokesperson who asked not to be identified. "Children in other parts of the world can deal with cigarette ads." Wal-Mart also allows Philip Morris to use its parking lots in less developed countries to host Marlboro Adventure Team attractions where young people put on safety harnesses and try out fun and daring outdoor climbing activities. "If they wouldn't do it here," asks Joe Cherner, president of SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc., "Why do they do it there? "Contrary to what Wal-Mart believes, the health of ALL children is important," adds Cherner. "Every child deserves a chance at a healthy future. Wal-Mart is greedy and mean to push cigarettes on children in less developed countries." Wal-Mart refuses to say how much money it receives for pushing tobacco ads. If you would like to send a letter to Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott, go to http://www.smokefree.org/walmart. Joseph W. Cherner, President SmokeFree Educational Services, Inc. http://www.SmokefreeAir.org "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead