Carolina Tobacco Co. v. Baker

Mikell, Judge.

This case of first impression involves the interpretation of the term “tobacco product manufacturer” in the Georgia Qualifying Statute, 1 which was enacted as a result of nationwide litigation brought by the states over public health costs associated with smoking. We granted Carolina Tobacco Company’s (“Carolina”) application for discretionary appeal to review the superior court’s affirmance of the Attorney General’s (“AG”) ruling that Carolina was not a “tobacco product manufacturer” under OCGA § 10-13-2 (9) 2 and therefore could not sell cigarettes under its “Roger” brand in…