Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
From Coughers to Coffers, Smoke Tax Increases
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Jun 1, 2008
Modified Jun 1, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Dave Hogarty
Published Jun 1, 2008
Modified Jun 1, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
An additional $1.25-a-pack tax on cigarettes goes into effect Tuesday, meaning that a carton of name brand smokes will cost a staggering $85. If the average cost of a box of premium brand cigarettes rises to $8.50, 50% of that cost is directly related to taxes ($2.75 to the State, $1.50 to the City).
The Center for a Tobacco Free New York hopes that the latest tax increase will cause another 6% of the state's smokers to quit, although critics say that the additional cost will just push more people into the black market for cigarettes or to Indian Reservations.
Mayor Bloomberg has declared Tuesday "NYC Quits Day," and the Dept. of Health will be distributing smoking cessation products and information urging smokers to kick the habit. There's even a breakdown of what a smoker could buy if he/she quit a pack a day habit (that means saving $240/month or $3000/year), including "Rent an apartment with one additional bedroom." And then, of course, there are the health benefits to not smoking.
Recently, the City started running an ad campaign aiming to scare the hell out of smokers by featuring disfigured people who attributed their injuries to years of smoking.
What's Going on Over There?, by Insomnia Jones J.D. at flickr
Tagged
black market
bloomberg
cigarettes
dept of health
smoking
taxes
Dave Hogarty
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD vehicle hits man lying in Bronx street after another car ran him over, police say
The man died, and police are not sharing his name until they contact his family.
By
Samantha Max
Published Aug 8, 2026
Thousands come to Flatbush for first Jamaica Rising Day Parade
The parade comes as Jamaica marks its 64th year of independence.
By
Louis C. Hochman
News
Thousands come to Flatbush for first Jamaica Rising Day Parade
The parade comes as Jamaica marks its 64th year of independence.
By
Louis C. Hochman
Bye, bye SmartLink: Old PATH cards going out of service Sept. 1
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
ASPCA removes more than 100 cats from three NYC homes in a single day
By
Ryan Kost
2 more bodies found after Bronx explosion and fire
By
Ryan Kost
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .