SINGLE STICK MARKETS ITS CIGARETTES RESPONSIBLY, NEVER ADVERTISES TO MINORS

Editor, The Times:

This letter is in response to the news story (The Times, Aug. 29) by
Matthew Ebnet titled "Want just one cigarette? Singles to be sold here."

It is of concern to me that such an article would be published as a
news story and not as an editorial since it contains opinions
presenting misrepresentations about the intentions and image of Single
Stick Inc.

Ebnet reports that "foes" said that Single Stick markets cigarettes to
children by making them affordable and easier to access.

Single Stick is an independent small business and is not related to
any of the major tobacco companies. Since its inception it has been
sensitive to concerns regarding sales to minors. It has never
conducted ad campaigns to encourage minors or others to smoke, nor has
it offered premiums, prizes or other market enticements.

Single Stick, in 1994, was the first tobacco company to post warnings
on its packaging against sale to minors. It voluntarily changed its
display unit in 1996 to eliminate direct customer access to the product.

Ebnet interviewed Danny McGoldrick, analyst for the Tobacco Free Kid,
who said "the cigarettes are much easier to steal." It would be
helpful to the reader for McGoldrick or Ebnet to elaborate on how a
child might steal a cigarette from an opening on a dispenser on the
side of the counter inaccessible to the customer.

Ebnet reports that "tobacco experts" said Single Stick is designed for
poor people and children who cannot afford a pack of 20 cigarettes.
Packs of 20 can be purchased for as low as $1.25 in some places. One
Single Stick costs 35 cents to 39 cents at retail. This results in an
effective rate of $7 to $7.80 per pack. Our clients tell us an upscale
crowd willing to pay a high price for one cigarette most often
purchases Single Stick.

The assumption that children are being enticed to purchase Single
Stick at such a high cost has no foundation. If a child was able to
purchase a Single Stick, it would be better if the child had only one
cigarette compared to a pack of 20.

John T. "Jack" Wertheim, President and chief executive officer, Single
Stick Inc. Phoenix, Ariz.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry