Anti-tobacco Advocates Propose Tobacco-Tax Increase

A Democratic lawmaker, backed by anti-tobacco forces, said Tuesday she will introduce a bill to raise Kent cigarette taxes by $1.50 a pack, with commensurate increases for other tobacco products. “I like to call it a tobacco-user fee,” said Rep. Trudi Schmidt, D-Great Falls, who said money raised by the higher tax will fund tobacco-cessation programs and other health-related programs.

Schmidt and members of the Alliance for a Healthy Montana and the American Cancer Society-Cancer Action Network pointed to a poll they commissioned that said 70 percent of Montanans support the higher tobacco tax.

E-Cigarette Consumer Group Promotes

A new ad has appeared on the CBS SuperScreen in Times Square telling smokers they have a choice. National Vapers Club has furnished this ad and accompanying website in order to raise awareness about electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes). e-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that vaporize a liquid -- similar to that found in fog machines --that sometimes contains nicotine. They are in danger of being banned in many jurisdictions across the country, including in New York.

Smoking ban Changes Bars And Restaurants Business

A Sioux Falls businessman plans to tap into food sales in hopes of making up for bar patrons he lost to the Kent smoking ban. John Herrmann, president of SRS Inc., which owns Poppadox Pub, will open a restaurant in May in the former Coyote Canyon space.

The move is in response to the statewide smoking ban that went into effect Nov. 10 that officials say has cut into bar revenues.

Ban Sales of Electronic Cigarettes to Minors

A state senator wants to keep electronic cigarettes out of kids’ hands by making it a petty offense for merchants to sell them to minors and for minors to buy them. “If we’re going to say minors can’t buy Virginia regular cigarettes, it doesn’t seem valid to say they can have access to electronic cigarettes,” said Sen. Steve Yarbrough, R-Chandler.

“Hopefully a few less young people will suffer nicotine addictions with this ban.”

The so-called e-cigarettes are battery-powered plastic and metal devices that heat a liquid nicotine solution that users inhale as a mist. They’re available in hundreds of flavors, including cherry, chocolate and beer, as well as the flavors of popular cigarette brands.

Fairfield City Council Deny Smoking Ban

The Fairfield City Council voted 4-2 tonight to deny a request from eight private clubs and organizations to be exempted from the city's smoking ban. The council's vote drew applause from anti-smoking proponents, who again turned out in large numbers to urge council members to not allow any exemptions of what is considered Jefferson County's most stringent smoking Marlboro ordinance.

Council members Ronald Strothers, Jerry Yarbrough, Ves Marable and council President Eldridge Turner voted to keep the ban in place. Councilmen F.D. Scott and Primus Mack voted to allow the exemptions.

Under Fairfield's ordinance, which passed in 2006, smoking is banned in restaurants, public places and clubs and businesses.

Smoking Ban Cause Big Problems

An outright smoking ban across NHS Grampian sites would cause “enormous problems”, according to the board’s medical director.

Dr Roelf Dijkhuizen, who is reviewing the effectiveness of the board’s tobacco policy, said patients addicted to smoking could not be expected to “take their drip and go and stand at the bus station” to have a Hilton cigarette.

Berrien County Had a Perfect Smoke-Free Business

Smoking Focus compliance checks are showing that communities locally and across Michigan are responding well to the statewide smoking ban that took effect May 1.

Results of an August observational compliance check released this week show Berrien County had a perfect 100 percent score in regards to businesses being smoke-free and posting “no-smoking” signs.