There were plenty of empty shelves at L&D Discount Smoke Shop on North Henderson Street in Galesburg. A run on tobacco products, most of which have recently increased in price, has caused the situation.
There were plenty of empty shelves at L&D Discount Smoke Shop on North Henderson Street in Galesburg. A run on tobacco products, most of which have recently increased in price, has caused the situation. Owner Lori Buncher was busy telling customers that a rush to stockpile tobacco products ahead of tax increases introduced Wednesday meant supplies had been reduced to a trickle. Buncher says the price increases have led some smokers to quit or at least talk about quitting. Federal taxes on a pack of cigarettes have increased from 39 cents to $1 while manufacturers have also increased their prices to compensate for other tax increases on their businesses. The Illinois Senate on Thursday approved a $1-a-pack increase to generate money for state health programs. The measure now goes to the House. ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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