Jump to full article: Worcester (MA) Telegram & Gazette, 2010-09-01
Author: Donna Boynton TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
Intro: FITCHBURG -- Bill Sheldon has been a smoker for 20 years, but last year he rediscovered why he enjoyed smoking.
Fed up with paying nearly $10 for a pack of cigarettes, Mr. Sheldon began making his own cigarettes with fresh tobacco and paper tubes, and began to enjoy his cigarettes in a way that most people enjoy a glass of fine wine.
"It's relaxing to have a cigarette I can enjoy. It's pure tobacco," Mr. Sheldon said. "It's a smoother, even-burning cigarette."
By making his own cigarettes, he was not only making a purer cigarette, but a more affordable one -- costing about $21.23, including tax, a carton. Cartons of commercial brand cigarettes range from $60 to $90. . . .
"This is a growing industry because people are tired of paying such high taxes on their cigarettes," Mr. Sheldon said. "We are providing a premium quality cigarette at a bargain price. It takes a little more time and a lot less money." . . .
Rebel Smoke is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. The Sheldons scan all IDs and will not sell tobacco products to anyone under 18.
The store's grand opening is at 11 a.m. this morning.
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