Tobacco Tax Increase Enacted

Local smokers expressed mixed opinions about the federal tobacco tax increase that took effect yesterday.

The tax, which increased the levy from $.39 per pack to $1.01 per pack, was approved earlier this year. For Massachusetts residents, this hike comes on top of the hefty $2.51 per pack state tax on cigarettes.

Paul J. MacDonald, owner of Harvard Square tobacco shop Leavitt & Peirce, said that he was unhappy with the substantial tax increase.

“We treat everybody like rockstars here [at Leavitt & Peirce.] And obviously the government feels the same way--they think that they have money like rockstars,” said MacDonald. “And they don’t.”

He added that his biggest qualm with the change was its sheer magnitude.

“[The government is] trying to discourage tobacco use,” he said. “That’s fair. In fact, I agree with that. We’re just here if you do choose to smoke. I just find the rate unfair.”

Leavitt & Peirce customer Joseph D. Reaves, said that he felt that the recent rise in tobacco taxes was ludicrous.

“I think it’s just another vice tax. [The government is] trying to balance the budget on the backs of smokers,” he said.

Some local smokers said they agreed with MacDonald and mentioned that the tax hike would affect the smokers more than the tobacco corporations.

“It’s ridiculous. It doesn’t hurt the tobacco companies at all, just the smokers. A lot of them are on a tight budget as it is,” said Michael L. Nachbar, a student at Tufts University.

Nachbar added that he sympathized with serious smokers.

“I’m never going to bum a cigarette again,” he said.

But other residents said they approved of the newly implemented tax.

“I’m a big fan of taxing commodities like cigarettes instead of taxing necessary goods,” said Zachariah P. Hughes ‘12.

Local resident Lacey J. Lemander added that she thought the tax was justified.

“If you’re going to smoke cigarettes, you’re affecting the health of others as well as your own, so I think its fair.”

She said that tax will not affect her smoking habits.

MacDonald later offered a piece of advice to the government regarding its tax plans.

“Legalize pot. Tax the hell out of it. Do you know how much money they’d make?” he said.