Tobacco.org

Trade group pushes repeal of Beach cigarette tax hike  

A national trade group has huffed and puffed for city leaders to reconsider the cigarette tax increase that went into effect this week.

The National Association of Tobacco Outlets sent a letter to City Council members asking them to revisit the tax. Councilman Bill DeSteph said "chances are" he would push the issue.

The increase, which started Tuesday, increased the per-pack tax on cigarettes to 61 cents from 50 cents, a 22 percent rise.

Thomas Briant, the trade association's executive director, said the city's decision to repeal a tax increase on machinery and tools - after Stihl Inc. and other manufacturers complained about that 90 percent increase - means the city should listen to tobacco outlets, too.

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