The pace of Massachusetts cities and towns banning tobacco sales at pharmacies appears to be accelerating: Of nine such bans that have taken effect since early 2009, four began this year, and more are under consideration. South of Boston, Sharon defeated a proposed ban April 11, but the Wareham Board of Health may opt for one, according to Bob Collett, director the Cape Cod Regional Tobacco Control Program. Collett made a presentation to the Wareham board recently. “I’m confident that it will happen there,’’ he said. “They do understand the obvious hypocrisy of selling tobacco in a ... Jump to full article >>

Hawaii is facing a $1.3 billion state budget deficit — and in response, a series of bills have been introduced to hike taxes, including “other tobacco product” taxes. Among the proposed legislation is House Bill 273, which would increase taxes on products such as cigars and smokeless tobacco. The state should avoid all tax increases and instead turn to spending cuts to balance its budget. Tobacco taxes are often sold to the public as a way to improve public health by raising the cost of tobacco products. But proponents never advertise the hidden costs of such policies, which can ... Jump to full article >>

The Marlboro Man’s lower-priced competitors are gaining ground. Altria Group Inc.’s largest brand is still firmly planted in the saddle but saw its U.S. market share for the top-selling cigarette brand fall in the first quarter for the first time in nearly two years. Still, the Richmond, Va.-based owner of Philip Morris USA said Wednesday its first-quarter net income increased 15 percent in on lower costs and higher prices, even though it sold fewer cigarettes. It earned $937 million, or 45 cents per share, for the period ended March 31, up from $813 million, or 39 cents per share ... Jump to full article >>

Smokers are set to cough up an average of 20 cents more per pack from the beginning of next month, the tobacco industry has announced, blaming rising costs and government taxes. “On average the price will go up by 20 cents per pack,” said Ralf Leinweber, of the firm British American Tobacco, which makes Pall Mall. Competitor firms Reemtsma, which makes the JPS brand and Philip Morris, which makes Marlboro, confirmed similar rises. The price of a pack of 19 cigarettes will rise by about five percent. A pack of Lucky Strike, for instance, will rise from about €4.60 to €4.80. The top-sel ... Jump to full article >>

WASHINGTON — An illegal market in cigarettes, fueled by recent tobacco tax hikes, has spawned a smuggling industry attracting violent gangs and traffickers, officials said. Cigarette taxes, increased in 27 states during the past three years with the intention of bringing revenue to cash-strapped local governments, have sparked a surge in tobacco trafficking as smugglers flood high-tax states with cigarettes from low-tax states, USA Today reported Monday. “Everybody out there (involved in illegal trafficking operations) is tapping into tobacco,” said Larry Penninger, acting di ... Jump to full article >>

The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is warning consumers to be wary of free trial offers for electronic cigarettes. Customers who tried to take advantage of “free” Internet offers for smokeless cigarettes say they were burned by unexpected charges that totaled $100 or more. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) is warning consumers to be wary of free trial offers for electronic cigarettes. Customers who tried to take advantage of “free” Internet offers for smokeless cigarettes say they were burned by unexpected charge ... Jump to full article >>

Alabama’s cigarette tax could be rising again. State Democratic Rep. Patricia Todd of Birmingham is sponsoring the bill that would raise the tax by $1. The legislation is getting heavy support from two high profile state leaders: Health Officer Don Williamson and Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb. Todd’s bill would raise the total tax to $1.42 per pack, which would be more than Florida and Mississippi taxes. Supporters say the bill would generate revenue for the state during tough economic times and discourage people from smoking. Williamson said about 20 percent of Alabama adults smoke, ... Jump to full article >>

David Powers, a senior executive at Reynolds American business unit RAI Services Co., has been elected to a four-year term on the University of North Carolina Board of Governors. Reynolds American is the Winston-Salem-based parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco and numerous cigarette brands including Camel, Pall Mall, Winston and Kool. The 32-member Board of Governors oversees policies and budgets for 16 public university campuses, including UNC-Greensboro, N.C. A&T State University, Winston-Salem State University and UNC-School of the Arts. Powers, who is the vice president of state go ... Jump to full article >>

Brian Gottlob, an economist from Dover, announced recently that findings from PolEcon Research contradict claims that New Hampshire revenues will benefit from a decrease in the state cigarette and other tobacco products tax. Gottlob completed a review of NH specific tobacco sales and tax changes over a 10-year period and the possible impact on other state revenue; gasoline, rooms and meals, and alcohol. The PolEcon report found no correlation between tobacco sales and the sales of these other retail products, which provide tax revenue to support the NH state budget. His findings disprove those ... Jump to full article >>

CUSTOMS have seized the biggest haul of smuggled cigarettes at Tilbury Port in the past decade. Officers from HM Revenue & Customs seized 37 million cigarettes at the port. The cigarettes, smuggled in to avoid paying duty, are through to be worth around £8.5million in unpaid tax and VAT. They were brought in from Dubai, hidden in flat pack furniture containers. Following the seizure Chris Martin, assistant director of criminal investigation at HMRC said: “Cigarette smugglers don’t care about the impact their actions have on legitimate retailers. “This attempt to flood the UK with ... Jump to full article >>

As we head to the polls in May, Albertans must consider an issue that impacts every Canadian, yet is virtually ignored by the federal government — the illegal contraband tobacco trade. It’s a problem from coast to coast, and Alberta is especially at risk, having experienced a steep rise in illegal manufacturing, distribution and contraband tobacco use over the past few years. While the recent seizure of 14 million illegal cigarettes at the Montana First Nation near Hobbema by the Alberta government is a step in the right direction, the issue is far from resolved. The First Nations manufac ... Jump to full article >>