Riverbend told to not let tobacco samples be given

The Tennessee Attorney General's Office cautioned Riverbend Festival officials to not allow tobacco samples to be distributed at the Chattanooga event.

The letter wasn't mentioned when officials said at a May 27 news conference that they had dropped about $45,000 in sponsorships by smokeless tobacco makers, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Attorney General's Office spokeswoman Sharon Curtis-Flair said the letter dated last Oct. 21 came after a complaint about the practice. She also said the office will be monitoring the festival this year.

Friends of the Festival Executive Director Chip Baker says not allowing the tobacco sponsorships was already under consideration before the letter was sent.

Tobacco distributors Camel, USA Gold and Longhorn were not invited for this year's event, which began a 9-day run on Friday.