You are more the welcome to mock me...
Originally Posted by MissSaraXXX
I didn't see anyone "mocking" you. But since it is typing on a page I could not determine the "tone" of what was said, which can make a difference. But ....
I just read a couple of articles about the black market street trade in smokes in New York, which apparently was on the rise from an increase in taxes that was "apparently" an attempt to reduce smoking .... by raising the cost. Even with the increase of "black market" sales (packs and "loosies") usage dropped.
But ... there are provisions in the law that require signage alerting to age requirements and substantial fines for failing to abide by the sales prohibitions to underage buyers as well as to selling with the tax certificates (which is a generally accepted practice for tobacco products as well as liquor, wine, and beer.)
Obviously poor people have less money to buy lots of things, including cigs. They may be impacted sooner than others ... with increased prices, but I didn't get that was the target of the law. I think it was generally directed to all those who smoke.
Their increased health care costs due to continued smoking could easily justify an increase in cig taxes.
We can argue about the wisdom and effectiveness of the law, or even the focus of it, until the cows come home, but the point is ... it was in place and rather recently in place to be enforced. Kinda like those pesky stop signs! (red lights!) (speed limit signs).
Annoying as hell if you need a smoke. Fuckin' government control freaks.
