NYC Raises Cigarette Tax to $1.50 a Pack July 2, 2002
News Summary
On July 1, smokers in New York City began paying an additional $1.50 in tax on a pack of cigarettes, the New York Times reported July 1.New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg signed into law a bill that increased the city's cigarette tax from the current 8 cents a pack.
"This may be the most important measure my administration takes to save people's lives," Bloomberg said before signing the bill.
Bloomberg said he is hopeful that the higher tax would persuade smokers to quit and prevent children from becoming smokers.
In addition to the city tax, which is the highest in the nation, New York City smokers already are paying the highest state cigarette tax in the country. The two taxes combined would increase some cigarette brands to more than $7 a pack.
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