Smokers unhappy about new tobacco tax

Onslow County smokers are not happy about the latest federal tax hike on tobacco, but don't expect any Boston Tea Party-type protests anytime soon.

"They complained the first two days, but still bought cigarettes anyway, said Teresa Lucas, manager of a tobacco shop in the Piney Green Shopping Center. "Business never really slowed down."

The single largest federal tobacco tax increase takes effect Wednesday, raising the price of a carton of cigarettes by a staggering $8.10.

"Customers were shocked to see such a huge increase," said Eddie Atalla, owner of three premium cigar shops in Jacksonville. "Many are switching from Marlboro to generic brands to try to offset the tax."

He said some customers said they would cut back, while others thought about switching to rolling their own cigarettes. But the tax hike means a bag of cigarette tobacco that once cost $15 now costs $53.

"This is going to destroy the roll-your-own-cigarette business," Atalla said.

Jacksonville resident Bob Hooper has smoked cigarettes for 17 years. He said he feels discriminated against by the government and general nonsmoking population.

"They are willing to raise taxes on tobacco because they don't use it," he said. "They are taxing me to death for something I am addicted to."

Smokers feeling the crunch are about to get hit even harder.

According to her budget plan rolled out last week, Gov. Bev Perdue plans to double state taxes on tobacco, effectively doubling the price of a pack of cigarettes to more than $5.

Richlands resident Chris Young, who smokes a cigar or two after work to relax, said he doesn't understand why legislators in a state like North Carolina where tobacco is a cash crop and an important part of the economy would even consider the tax hike.

"I know we have to do something to get the economy back on track, but this doesn't seem like the thing to do," he said.

Atalla said the issue is only about tobacco on the surface.

"It is a matter of personal freedom," he said. "They couldn't get people to quit with scare tactics so they are trying to tax us into quitting. This is something they couldn't get people to quit by choice so they are attacking the smokers' pockets."

Although the new federal tax on cigars is just as steep - around 42 cents for premium hand-rolled stogies - cigar smokers, who tend to be more affluent, are absorbing the increase with little complaint.

Jacksonville resident and avid cigar smoker Don Williams said he can afford the increase.

Williams relaxed in the smokers lounge inside the Western Boulevard Tobacco Country on Sunday afternoon.

"I can handle the tax," he said. "I am not addicted to cigars. I smoke maybe two or three on the weekends. I enjoy the camaraderie here."

But even Williams' relaxing Sundays at the tobacco shop could come to a close. A bill gaining ground in the General Assembly would outlaw tobacco use in public places, restaurants and bars. The law would require all new tobacco shops to be smoke free and would close down any existing tobacco shops if a complaint is filed by neighboring businesses.

"This should matter to everyone," Atalla said. "Next they close bars down, who knows?"

Contact crime reporter Lindell Kay at 910-219-8456. Read Lindell's blog at http://onslowcrime.encblogs.com.