Beginning September 1, New York State’s cigarette tax will be the highest in the nation. The $1 hike is the first cigarette tax increase since 2010 and changes the tax from $4.35 to $5.35 per pack of 20 cigarettes. Research shows a 10 percent increase in tobacco prices would be expected to decrease tobacco consumption by 4% in high-income countries.

Increasing the cost of cigarettes is one of the most effective ways to promote smoking cessation and prevent youth initiation. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network projects the impact of the higher tax will save 15,300 New Yorkers’ lives and prevent 14,400 youth under age 18 from becoming adults who smoke.  

The latest data from the NYS Department of Health show that one in five high school-age youth uses tobacco products. New York State spends approximately $9.7 billion annually on preventable smoking-related health care costs.

“We know that the statewide adult smoking rate is at an all-time low of 12%, however, this percentage varies by county. For example, in Genesee County specifically, the adult smoking rate is at 20.3%,” says Brittany Bozzer, Reality Check Youth Coordinator at Tobacco-Free Genesee, Orleans, and Wyoming (TF-GOW). “We are encouraged by the tax increase because higher cigarette costs lead to less youth smoking and, therefore, fewer youth who become adult smokers.”

Flavored tobacco products continue to attract and addict new smokers 
While higher cigarette costs are proven to reduce youth smoking and prevent initiation, flavored tobacco products like cigars, cigarillos, and chew continue to attract and addict new tobacco users. Tobacco companies use flavors like menthol in tobacco products to make them more appealing to new users, almost all of whom are under 18. 

Eighty-one percent of youth who have ever tried tobacco started with a flavored product; more than half (54 percent) of youth ages 12-17 who smoke use menthol cigarettes. 

Tax increase is the latest in strong, evidence-based tobacco control policies enacted by New York State to prevent smoking initiation, promote cessation 
In 2019, New York raised the minimum legal sale age to purchase tobacco and vapor products to 21, established a 20 percent tax on vaping products, and required registration for vapor product retailers to regulate the sale of these products to restrict access, especially among young people.

Those policies were followed in 2020 by several strategies that restrict youth access to tobacco and vaping products. Among other things, new state laws ended the sale of tobacco and vapor products in pharmacies, banned the sale of flavored vapor products, ended price discounts on tobacco products, and stopped the shipment and delivery of vapor products to private residences.

Support available for New Yorkers who want to quit smoking and vaping Health care providers and the New York State Smokers’ Quitline provides support to smokers who want to quit, and quitting leads to fewer smokers, the potential for better health outcomes, and reduced health care costs. When healthcare providers treat nicotine addiction with medication and counseling, it can double or even triple their patients’ chances of success. 

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is a free and confidential service for all New York State residents who wish to overcome the use of commercial tobacco and/or vape products. Participants can receive individualized coaching and assistance with quit planning from highly trained tobacco treatment specialists, text and online chat support, and a free starter supply delivery of nicotine replacement therapy medications such as patches, gum, and/or lozenges for those 18 and older. 

Residents of all ages may contact the Quitline for support and educational materials. Visit nysmokefree.com anytime, text QUITNOW to 333888 for more information, or call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) seven days a week, beginning at 9 a.m.

I had to make an emergency trip to the vet this morning.  The signs are still there!

On Thursday, State Health Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., urged New Yorkers to quit smoking rather than pay the additional $1.60 per pack state cigarette tax increase that takes effect today.

With the increase in effect, the tax on a pack of cigarettes will rise to $4.35 per pack and $5.85 a pack in New York City – the highest cigarette taxes in the nation.

This tax continues New York's national leadership in the fight against tobacco use, the No. 1 cause of preventable death in the United States. A pack of cigarettes will now cost more than $10 in New York City and more than $8 across the rest of the State.

"This tax increase should be the motivation smokers need to give up this deadly addiction for good," Commissioner Daines said. "The health benefits of quitting smoking are undeniable.

"Smokers who quit are at a lower risk of developing smoking-related heart disease and suffering from strokes, cancer and emphysema. If you smoke, now is the time to talk to your doctor or call the New York State Smokers' Quitline."

The Quitline offers free services to help people stop smoking, including nicotine patches, coaching, quit plans, information and free online help. To access the Quitline, call 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit www.nysmokefree.com.

Taxes will also increase for other tobacco products, such as smokeless tobacco products and cigars, from 46 percent to 75 percent of the wholesale price.

Increases in tobacco taxes are expected to prevent 170,500 New York kids from becoming smokers, motivate 86,100 adult smokers to quit and save 77,000 New Yorkers from premature, smoking-related deaths.

The increased tax will also save $4.8 billion in future health care costs and raise $290 million in 2010-11 in state revenues.

"This is a win-win for the health of New York State," Daines said. "Fewer adults and children will use deadly tobacco products and the state will generate revenues to help sustain important programs and services."

"Smoking is not a habit," said Jeffrey Willett, director of the state's Tobacco Control Program. "It's an addiction, and it's hard to quit. The State Health Department's Smokers' Quitline provides free services that increase the likelihood that a smoker will quit for good."

Smoking Facts

• On average, smokers die 14 years younger than non-smokers.
• Smoking increases a person's risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and other cancers.
• Secondhand smoke also causes heart disease and cancer, and contributes to asthma and other respiratory illness.
• Infants with a parent who smokes are more likely to die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
• Babies and children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are more likely to have asthma, bronchitis, ear infections and pneumonia.
• Smokers who quit rapidly lower their risk of heart disease and stroke, and steadily reduce their risk of lung cancer.

Tips on Quitting

• Set a quit date and mark it on your calendar. Get rid of ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes.
• Visit your doctor for support and advice with your quit plan.
• Make a list of reasons why you want to quit.
• Make a list of family and friends who will support you.
• Avoid triggers, including alcohol, caffeine and other smokers.
• Exercise to relieve stress, and to improve your mood and health.
• Consider using a safe nicotine alternative such as replacement patches, gum or lozenges.

For help quitting smoking call the New York State Smokers' Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487) or visit <www.nysmokefree.com>.

During a rally Sunday just south of the Route 438 Thruway overpass, [Seneca President Barry E. Snyder Sr.] read a letter from Gov. David A. Paterson in which the governor indicated his desire to begin talks with the Indian nation about the dispute over tax collection on cigarettes sold by Native American merchants to non-Indians.

It sounds as if the governor is considering backing off from enforcing the law that he himself signed in December that requires wholesalers to show to the state tax department that they are not selling tax-free cigarettes to retailers. If they fail to comply, they could be charged with perjury. In the meantime, a justice of the state Supreme Court "issued a temporary restraining order ... that blocks the state from enforcing its policy."

Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook said he would not comment on a private conversation between the governor and Snyder, but he did say a negotiated compromise on the cigarette tax issue “is an avenue [Paterson] would like to take.”

“The governor sees it as a window of opportunity,” Hook said.

What exactly would Gov. Paterson negotiate? This seems to be a pretty cut and dry issue. Either the state enforces the law or the law is repealed. Can you see any compromise on this?