Health advocates see tobacco tax increase as a win, some business owners disagree
Maine (WABI) - A tax increase on tobacco products, including $1.50 per pack on cigarettes, was signed into law with this year’s budget.
Those from the American Lung Association say it’s a win.
“We have been advocating for more than a decade for Maine to increase its cigarette tax. The last time the state did was in 2005. So, it’s been 20 years since we increased it. When we raised it, we were one of the states that had the highest. Maine has historically been a leader on tobacco prevention policies since the early 2000s. An increase in the tax is just another step with a well-funded tobacco program to help those who are addicted to nicotine,” explained American Lung Association Vice President of State Public Policy, Lance Boucher.
However, some business owners say this increase is steep, and it will hurt their bottom line when it goes into effect in January.
“When it comes to small businesses like me, yeah, it’s very bad. It wasn’t supposed to be that much in taxes. What we have even right now, that is, I guess okay, but increasing by that much tax is not good and a really bad thing,” said Owner of Sunny’s Smoke Shop in Orono, Sunny Patel.
Health advocates say data shows price increases in tobacco bring down rates of smoking and stop people from taking it up in the first place.
“We know that increasing the price of tobacco products is one of the most effective policies to both reduce current users, urge them to make a quit attempt, but also to reduce youth initiation of tobacco products,” Boucher noted.
However, Patel says it’s a way for the state to bring in more money from those who smoke, and he expects most of his customers will look for cheaper options rather than quit.
“They are going to go for a cheaper choice, that’s all. It’s not a good way to make people give up. No, they are not going to give up. Yeah, maybe a little percentage. You can find out it might affect very few people, not everyone. Most of them are going to keep up with the smoke,” stated Patel.
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