NYC:New York Hits Online Sellers of Cigarettes

New York Times.com ^ | 2-12-05 | IAN URBINA

[The Loan Arranger]

I don't smoke cigarettes, but have I noticed that you can buy a carton of smokes for as little as $10 down here(Biloxi, Mississippi). What gives with the $70 a carton rip-off in New York? If I were a smoker, I'd vote with my feet!!

[The Loan Arranger]

meant to say: "I have noticed"

[gidget7]

Those lucky enough to live near Indian reservations in NY can get their smokes a lot cheaper as well.


Here's hoping if they try, the Indians raise holy hell! They are sovereign and do not have to comply with other government tax regulations.

[The Loan Arranger]

I don't smoke cigarettes, but I have noticed that you can buy a carton of smokes for as little as $10 down here(Biloxi, Mississippi). What gives with the $70 a carton rip-off in New York? If I were a smoker, I'd vote with my feet!!

[ApesForEvolution]

I don't smoke anymore - and I'm going to buy a carton online right now...

[Reaganwuzthebest]

Here's hoping if they try, the Indians raise holy hell! They are sovereign and do not have to comply with other government tax regulations.

That's why they're having such a hard time passing legislation, they haven't figured out a way to get past that pesky sovereignty issue yet.

[gidget7]

They just keep raising the taxes on them, states and cities, this is what it has gone up to when they are factored in. My relatives live in KY, you can still buy them at their regular price there as well.

MA, CT, NY, NJ, all are up around the same when taxes are added in. They figure its a good way to raise revenue. Trouble is they don't allow smoking anywhere, and a lot have quit. So thats even more money they were counting on and not getting.

It has NOTHING to do with the health factor.

[gidget7]

That's why they're having such a hard time passing legislation, they haven't figured out a way to get past that pesky sovereignty issue yet.


I know, its ridiculous! They actually did raid a store owned by the Narragansett's in RI, and arrested the Indians running it. They tried to seize all cigarettes, don't know how it all turned out.

Like I said, when these idiots stop endorsing and helping shove the homosexual lifestyle down our throats, perhaps we will take their health "concerns" into consideration. Not before.

[ApesForEvolution]

The smoking Nazis are on the march.

If demand for 'non-smoking' venues such as restaurants and bars are so great, why doesn't the private sector RISE UP and meet the demand, whilst the government leaves private establishments alone.

I already know the answer...

[gidget7]

Don't know the answer either. I do know many business have had to close up due to the loss of business from smoking bans.

I read an article the other day, about CT businesses trying to reverse the bans there, for that reason. I am not counting on it working though.

[The Great RJ]

The whole anti-smoking jihad is all about taxes. Cigarette smokers can be easily taxed "for their own good". Despite all the rhetoric about smoking killing thousands no law maker would seriously consider banning smoking and the sale of cigarettes because of the loss of easy to raise tax revenue.

What's happening in NYC is akin to the story of killing the goose that layed the golden eggs. Greedy law makers seeking to raise revenues by punishing the evil smokers are faced with basic economics. As prices increase buyers will purchase less or look for less costly alternatives. Internet sales are just the tip of the iceberg as I'm sure organized crime is also taking advantage of consumers seeking lower cost smokes.

[Mears]

The day that they go after ALL internet sales for state taxes is the day I will sit up and pay attention.

Many people buy expensive items,like computers,from the Internet. I'm sure state taxes aren't added. When they start going after Dell and IBM and Apple I will pay attention and not until then.

They hate smoking,they hate smokers,they want their money----it is as simple as that.

[microgood]

Mr. Spitzer emphasized that the effort has as much to do with health as money.

ROTFLOL..funniest thing I have read for at least a week.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

Like I said, when these idiots stop endorsing and helping shove the homosexual lifestyle down our throats, perhaps we will take their health "concerns" into consideration.

Not just that but other intrusive measures like mandatory seatbelt and helmet laws. They have nothing to do with promoting public health but were passed due to pressure from insurance companies. They're not even trying to hide their hypocrisy any longer, it's all about money.

[zeugma]

The phrase "shove the homosexual lifestyle down our throats" is a bit unsettling. Would you care to rephrase that? :-)

[Pete98]

"Most of the people ordering cigarettes online are buying them in enormous quantities and reselling them. It is $75 million in tax money they are taking right out of our pockets."

WTF are you talking about? It's not your money in any way.

[chudogg]

It is $75 million in tax money they are taking right out of our pockets.

Looks to me as if YOUR the one in other peoples pockets!

[Arkie2]

How do you make everyone a criminal? Just keep passing idiotic laws. Pretty soon you can arrest anyone for anything.

[Little Bill]

Nothing is coming out of your pocket, you don't smoke if I remember correctly.

If your communist government didn't have smell fixations your government extortion's might be a good deal higher. Reminds me of probation.

Love;

Little Bill

[Arkie2]

Well then, raise taxes on junk food and alcohol and candy and anything else you think is bad for the people. And claim it's all for the children.

I've got a news flash for you. They're not taking anything out of your pocket. Anytime you're talking about taxes you're talking about the state taking money out of the peoples' pockets. Seems you're a little mixed up.