PEOPLE TO WASHINGTON: STOP THE CIGARETTE ADS

A new poll has found that a majority of the American people favor an end to all cigarette ads in magazines and newspapers. The poll, commissioned by the Wall Street Journal, found that relatively few - less than 25 percent - want bans on the use of alcohol or tobacco. But people are very concerned about advertising that promotes these drugs. Fifty-four percent want to eliminate cigarette ads in magazines and newspapers, while 60 percent think the news media should provide equal time for health messages regarding alcohol.

The Journal quoted a Houston housewife who both smokes and drinks. ``People should be able to make their own choice,'' she said. But ``marketers are making alcohol and cigarettes seem too glamorous and too thrilling for kids with their advertising.''