It could be a motivator for those looking to quit smoking. Starting on September 1st, the excise tax in cigarettes in New York State, will increase $1 to a total of $5.35 a pack.
This is the first increase in nearly 13 years and includes little cigars in the taxing.
“The upcoming tax increase will help save lives,” said Paula Celestino, director of client relations and outreach for the NY Quitline, and one of the program’s founding team members. “We want to remind all New York State residents the Quitline is here to provide free support, seven days a week. We know quitting smoking is hard, but thousands of people have been successful. The key is to keep trying.”
The state’s NY Quitline expects an increase in those seeking help on how to quit smoking. The state provides trained tobacco treatment specialists and access to free nicotine replacement therapy medication via 1-866-NY-QUITS or at NYSmokeFree.com.
