Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Cigarettes Must Cost AT LEAST $10.50, New Bloomberg Legislation Would Mandate
By
Lauren Evans
Published Mar 27, 2013
Modified Mar 27, 2013
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 .
Getty
By
Lauren Evans
Published Mar 27, 2013
Modified Mar 27, 2013
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
Now back in fighting form after the a tough setback for his soda ban, Mayor Bloomberg has rebounded with more measures to keep the residents of his beloved city safe by reigniting his War on Smokers.
Last week the mayor proposed legislation to keep cigarettes out of sight of impressionable bodega shoppers, who perhaps didn't even know they wanted to start smoking until they saw the colorful packages gleaming from the shelves. They have pictures! But why stop there? On the off-chance that smokers do eventually sniff out the cigarettes from behind the counter (by asking for them), a companion bill proposes that cigarettes are sold for no less than $10.50 a pack. Also, you may as well toss all your carefully clipped coupons into the fire, too (or roll them up and try to smoke them?): The legislation would also ban all discounts like two-for-one deals and special promotions.
Cigarettes (and cigarillos) are already lousy with taxes, but Bloomberg's proposal would make the city the first in the country to establish an actual minimum price. The Health Department told the Times that "$10.50 was the median price of the lowest-priced packs in more than 300 city stores." Experience tells us that a pack will usually set you back around $12, but eliminating any hope for the thrifty smoker is really twisting the knife in the trachea wound.
Possibly the only people more annoyed than freedom-loving smokers are cigarette manufacturers, who already feel over-burdened with such cloying restrictions as not being allowed to peddle their wares to minors. From the Times:
David Sutton, a spokesman for Altria, parent company of Philip Morris USA, said the city should focus on eradicating the illegal cigarette trade, rather than further restricting retailers, who are already required to perform age checks on customers.
“Piling on additional regulations designed to get at youth access when the sales compliance rate at licensed retailers is very, very high already — we just don’t think that’s the right approach,” Mr. Sutton said.
The bill now goes to the City Council.
Tagged
bloomberg
cigarettes
smoking
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Staten Island fire injures two, but spares historic 'Godfather' church
Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Oct 18, 2026 at 10:34 a.m. ET
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
News
Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law
Repeat offenders are a big talking point in the governor's race.
By
Gino Fanelli
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
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 .