Title: The Impact of New York’s Rising Cigarette Prices on Smoking Rates and Illicit Sales

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## Introduction Smoking rates and the sale of cigarettes have long been a concern for public health officials in New York. To address this issue, the state has implemented various measures, including increasing cigarette taxes. However, these efforts have elicited mixed reactions from anti-tobacco advocates and convenience store groups. This article examines the recent increase in cigarette prices in New York and its potential effects on smoking rates and the illicit sales market. By delving into the perspectives of different stakeholders, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue.

The Rise in Cigarette Prices

New York’s $229 billion budget plan includes a $1 per pack increase in cigarette taxes, making it one of the most expensive places in the country to buy cigarettes ¹. The state Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, states that the aim is to discourage smoking in general and further reduce smoking rates ¹. However, this tax increase has been met with concerns from convenience store groups, who fear that it will only fuel an underground market of illicit cigarette sales ¹.

The Rejection of a Menthol Ban

While the tax increase was approved, Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to ban menthol and other flavored tobacco products was rejected by state lawmakers ¹. Stewart-Cousins suggests that lawmakers anticipate a federal ban on menthol products by the Biden administration later this year ¹. Anti-tobacco advocates view this rejection as a missed opportunity to further curb tobacco usage ¹. Michael Davoli of the American Cancer Society acknowledges the positive impact of the tax increase but believes that more could have been done ¹.

Tobacco Usage Disparities

New York has seen a significant decline in tobacco usage over the past few decades ¹. However, smoking rates remain higher among low-income individuals and people of color ¹. Davoli highlights the importance of anti-tobacco cessation programs in reducing smoking rates and points to the need for continued funding for such programs ¹. The state plans to allocate more than $7 million from a nationwide settlement with e-cigarette maker Juul to increase the spending on cessation programs ¹.

The Concerns of Convenience Store Organizations

Convenience store organizations, such as the New York Association of Convenience Stores, have expressed their opposition to the tax increase and the menthol ban ¹. They argue that higher taxes will only lead to an expansion of the illicit cigarette market, citing the state’s already significant illegal cigarette market share ¹. Kent Sopris, the president of the association, calls for increased enforcement of illegal tobacco sales instead of imposing higher taxes ¹. newport prices in new york

Balancing Public Health and Revenue Loss

While the tax increase aims to reduce smoking rates, it is not without its consequences. The convenience store organizations estimate that the state will lose $25 million in tax revenue due to the increase ¹. This loss raises concerns about the financial impact on retailers and the potential need for alternative revenue sources ¹. Balancing public health goals with the economic considerations of businesses is a challenging task for policymakers. newport prices in new york

New York City’s Expensive Cigarettes

Apart from the statewide tax increase, New York City has independently raised the price of cigarettes as well ². The base price for a pack of cigarettes in the city has gone up from $10.50 to $13 ². City officials believe that this increase will discourage new smokers from starting and encourage current smokers to quit or cut back ². The city’s Department of Health emphasizes the role of tobacco in preventable premature deaths, with an estimated 12,000 deaths annually attributed to smoking ².

The Impact on Smoking Rates

The Department of Health reports a significant decline in young smokers in New York City, with a decrease of approximately 70% between 2001 and 2017 ². This reduction is seen as a positive outcome of various anti-smoking initiatives and policies implemented in the city ². The hope is that the price increase will further contribute to this decline by deterring potential new smokers and motivating current smokers to quit. newport prices in new york

Conclusion

The increase in cigarette prices in New York, both at the state and city levels, reflects ongoing efforts to reduce smoking rates and improve public health. While some stakeholders have concerns about the potential expansion of the illicit cigarette market, others view the tax increase as a necessary step to discourage smoking. The rejection of a menthol ban is seen as a missed opportunity to further curb tobacco usage. As smoking rates decline, it is crucial to address disparities among different demographic groups and continue funding anti-tobacco cessation programs. Balancing public health goals with the financial considerations of businesses remains a challenge for policymakers in New York.

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Footnotes

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