While Protecting Public Health released recommendations Monday in Louisville that include a 17-cent federal excise tax on every pack of cigarettes. The recommendations, drawn up by representatives from health and agriculture, are aimed to provide tobacco farmers alternative economic opportunities while at the same time protecting the public against the hazards of smoking. Now we are just trying to build the troops for a very powerful campaign. A study released last month says that increasing cigarette prices will keep teens from becoming addicted to tobacco. It found that a 10 percent increase in cigarette prices would result in a 3 to 10 percent drop in the number of children who begin smoking.
Kids are just more price sensitive.
They're also less addictive, so they are more able to drastically change their habits than adults to price increases. Greta Miller, manager at the Tobacco Patch, said when the tobacco companies announced a 14-cent per pack increase two weeks ago, customers came in droves to stock up before the increase took effect. But even with additional price increases, she believes some smokers will continue. Kay Ramsey, manager at JC's Cigarette Outlet in Hawesville, said some customers have been switching to cheaper brands as prices increase.