The New York State cigarette market is about to undergo a significant transformation. The cost on cigarettes will rise by $1 per pack as of September 1.
Summerfield: We are aware that by raising the fee
In an article from Rochester First, a significant improvement that, according to Trevor Summerfield of the American Lung Association, has been long overdue.
According to Summerfield, New York State hasn’t increased the cigarette tax in over ten years. He continued by saying that this will change people’s lives.
According to Summerfield, we are aware that by raising the fee of cigarette tax, we would reduce the number of smokers in New York State by thousands, stop minors from starting, and, of course, protect lung health. Because it causes lung cancer, smoking cigarettes is known to be the biggest cause of cancer in New York State.
Despite the enthusiasm of some, Kent Sopris of the New York Association of Convenience Stores claims that cigarette tax, the price increase will only affect local businesses that pay taxes and drive customers to locations where goods are less expensive.
Sopris asserted that the state and the supporters of this cigarette taxincrease, as well as measures like a flavor ban and a menthol prohibition, fail to recognize that these actions merely push people into an uncontrollable market.
Sopris continues by stating his opinion that this cigarette tax won’t deter people from smoking. Instead, he claims that those who sell the goods will be the only ones harmed.
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Summerfield: Secondhand smoke are also a worry in addition to individual smokers
People are adults, thus they should have the freedom to buy items like tobacco if they so choose. Sopris stated that the only thing his stores sell is a regulated, legal good for which they pay taxes.
Summerfield claims that others who inhale secondhand smoke, such as family members, kids, or neighbors, are also a worry in addition to individual smokers.
Summerfield claimed to have smoked a pack a day for the previous ten years. He left primarily because returning to New York from here would be pricey. He must inform everybody who would listen. I made the best decision of my life when I chose what I did.
News 10 reported that raising the cigarette tax is one strategy the Hochul administration is attempting to use to discourage more kids from acquiring the habit.
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