David Damelio, director of the Greater Rochester International Airport, resigned Monday amid public outcry over revelations that he charged thousands of dollars worth of cigars to the county-run airport as a business expense. In a resignation letter to Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks dated Monday, Damelio cited “recent developments” as hampering his ability to run the airport and wrote, “I will not allow myself to become a distraction for you and all of the hard working people at the airport.” Brooks announced in a news release that she had appointed the county&# ... Jump to full article >>

Oscar-nominated actor Pete Postlethwaite has died aged 64 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Friends of the star said he passed away peacefully at a hospital in Shropshire on Sunday, where he was being treated for the disease that he was first diagnosed with in 1990. The actor leaves his wife of seven years, Jacqui, and two children – William, 21, a drama student and daughter Lily, 14. Postlethwaite, who was treated for prostate cancer two decades ago, and more recently for testicular cancer, was highly acclaimed for his roles in Brassed Off and The Usual Suspects. Last year, he appeared in ... Jump to full article >>

A 10 per cent tax slapped on cigarette and tobacco sales this week may prove an extra incentive for smokers wanting to kick the habit, with pack-a-day smokers now having to fork out over $6500 a year. The rise is the second 10 per cent rise of three targeted hikes, with this week’s increase following one in April last year. A further 10 per cent rise will take place on January 1 next year. Renall St Store owner Michael Pickett said it was too early to tell if the price rise had had an effect on sales, as the new prices had only been going for a few days. He said the cheapest 25-pack of ... Jump to full article >>

Since midnight yesterday, Spain became a smoke free country by law. In general terms, bars and restaurants succeeded in getting the smokers outdoors, but pretty much every other place where smokers convene saw the new rule get implemented with little success, and much opposition. Good weather in Spain allowed for bars and restaurants to offer smoking patrons outdoor alternatives (like balconies and terraces) when enforcing the mandate. In colder cities like Navarra, pub owners offered blankets and heaters to smokers that didn’t offer much resistance when after midnight they were pointed to ... Jump to full article >>

If you’ve been thinking about trying to quit smoking here’s another reason to kick the habit.. A pack of cigarette may soon cost you more. The state is talking about hiking the cigarette tax. It’s coming from Grand Island Senator Mike Gloor. He plans to introduce the bill in the upcoming Nebraska legislative session. The bill will more than double the current tax on cigarettes. From Camels to Marlboros – a planned to be proposed bill will hike up the tax on your favorite pack of smokes from 64 cents to $1.99. “I think they’re trying to make it as inconvenient a ... Jump to full article >>

SIOUX FALLS, SD – If you want to use tobacco in Sioux Falls, you can no longer do so on city property. The new policy that went into effect today is the second part of an initiative started under former Mayor Dave Munson. And the multi-phased program made the transition easier. Walking by Sioux Falls City Hall, the last remnants of tobacco products still linger, but the start of a new year will snuff all that out. “We’re not the first to do something like this,” Angie Uthe with Sioux Falls Human Resources said. “We actually have had a lot of other organizations, ... Jump to full article >>

Makers of electronic cigarettes are reporting strong growth in sales as anti-tobacco laws force European smokers into the cold streets, but campaigners say the device is undercutting health efforts. Spain joined Sunday the ranks of countries that have outlawed smoking in enclosed public space after a wave of similar legislation across Europe. For the makers of electronic cigarettes, which simulate the sensation of a cigarette and can contain nicotine, the traditionally heavy smoking nation marks a potentially lucrative market for their much-criticised product. “We have seen sales grow by 30 ... Jump to full article >>

Many employers offer discounts to workers who take steps toward better health. This can cut costs and encourage wellness, but it could also penalize those who can’t make the changes and yet will pay more in premiums. Wanna make a fast buck? Quit smoking. According to the National Business Group on Health, which represents large employers including Wal-Mart and Wendy’s, about 68% of its members either offer a discount of several hundred dollars on health insurance premiums to employees who quit smoking, or provide other incentives or penalties to make it happen. The evidence is mix ... Jump to full article >>

ASHEVILLE — More people in North Carolina have dined out in the year since the state banned indoor smoking though the new law is facing legal challenges in two counties. Complaints in Buncombe County about indoor smoking dropped from 11 a year ago to none last month — a trend that is mirrored across the Tobacco State. North Carolina had just two complaints last month. They were in Lincoln and Guilford counties. “It’s so much nicer to be in a bar that is not filled with smoke,” Naomi Shastri, bartender at the Flying Frog Café in downtown Asheville, said Thursday. “Even people ... Jump to full article >>

BISMARCK – North Dakota lawmakers appear content to allow smoking to continue in bars and truck stops and have little enthusiasm for increasing the state’s tobacco taxes to deter cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, an Associated Press survey of legislators says. Legislators who responded to the December survey, which was conducted by e-mail and regular mail, supported the right of local governments to impose tougher anti-smoking rules than the North Dakota Legislature itself has been willing to approve. Since lawmakers banned smoking in most public workplaces in 2005, the Legislature has ... Jump to full article >>

GRAPHIC health warnings on cigarette packets are under threat from a legal case that could undermine the government’s anti-smoking strategy. World tobacco giant British American Tobacco has won permission to pursue damages in the Australian courts, accusing local importer Trojan of infringing its Captain Black cigar trademark by covering its labels with the mandatory health warnings. A judge in the Victorian Supreme Court ruled last month that the tobacco giant could continue its action despite Trojan asking the court to strike out the case. It is seeking damages, an injunction to preve ... Jump to full article >>