Local News

Smokers Brace For Cigarette Tax Increase

Illinois smokers used the weekend to brace for the $1-a-pack cigarette tax increase that took effect Sunday, with some stocking up and others vowing to kick the habit.

Some business owners were doing a brisk business yesterday, but worry that could change now that the increase kicks in.

The tax on a pack of cigarettes is jumping from 98 cents to $1.98.

Lorraine Harvey is assistant manager at Discount Tobacco in Peoria. She says she'll try to quit smoking rather than pay the tax. But she hears others talking about buying cigarettes from other states.

Meanwhile, so many smokers stocked up that distributors are hd trouble meeting demand. Harvey has limited her customers to two cartons apiece until the tax increase takes effect.

Townhall Top of the Hour News

Local Weather - Sponsored By:

CLINTON WEATHER

Local News

DeWittDN on Facebook