BUSINESS MEMO: CIGARETTE SAMPLES

PHOENIX -- R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Holdings Inc. is under fire for sending free samples of cigarettes through the mail -- a promotional program the Arizona attorney general's office says could violate the multi-state tobacco settlements because the cigarettes could end up in the hands of children.

R.J. Reynolds maintains it is doing nothing wrong with its free sample program, through which cigarettes are sent to people who sign up for assorted promotions.

A spokeswoman for the company said Wednesday it has mailing safeguards in place to ensure the cigarettes are sent only to people 21 and older who have certified their age in writing.