B&W Praises Florida Appeal

British American Tobacco PLC
22 May 2003


                           BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO
                     PRAISES FLORIDA APPEALS COURT DECISION


The following announcement was made yesterday, Wednesday 21st, by British
American Tobacco's subsidiary, Brown & Williamson:


         LOUISVILLE, KY - Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation said it was
gratified by a Florida appeals court ruling that threw out a $145 billion
verdict in the Engle class action case.

         "We're pleased that the court agreed with our position that a smokers'
class action lawsuit is unworkable, unmanageable and unconstitutional," said
John Kiser, vice president and general counsel for the company.

         In announcing its decision in a 68-page opinion, Florida's Third
District Court of Appeals ordered the class decertified.  This decision is
consistent with virtually all courts that have considered class action suits
against tobacco companies.

"The Engle case was one of the few remaining smokers' class actions against the
industry," Kiser said. "This sweeping decision should finally close the door on
smokers' class action litigation."

         Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation is the nation's third largest
manufacturer and marketer of cigarettes.   Based in Louisville, Ky., its major
brands include KOOL, Pall Mall, Lucky Strike, Misty and Capri.


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