Brown & Williamson Pays $100,000 Fine

Brown & Williamson, a unit of BAT Industries in Britain, paid a $100,000 fine imposed by a Minnesota judge for failing to turn over papers from its American Tobacco unit. In a letter with the check, Louisville-based Brown & Williamson said it isn’t waiving its right to appeal the fine, which was ordered by Ramsey County District Court Judge Kenneth Fitzpatrick. Brown & Williamson made the payment several days ahead of the court’s 10-day deadline. Minnesota is suing Brown & Williamson and other cigarette makers to recover public funds spent treating sick smokers. A trial is scheduled to begin Jan. 20 in St. Paul. Brown & Williamson has argued that any papers from American Tobacco about health issues and advertising are at Britain-based Gallaher Group, spun off in May from American Brands, the former parent of American Tobacco.