Smoking in new York is becoming more expensive. Mayor bill de Blasio plans to sign a package of bills aimed at reducing the number of smokers.
Measures to combat Smoking include an increase in the minimum prices on tobacco products: the townspeople are waiting for the increase in the price of a pack of cigarettes from $10.50 to $13.
In addition, the new bill prohibits the sale of cigarettes in pharmacies and reduces the number of licensed retailers by half in the next 10 years. Currently, the city has 9000 outlets selling cigarettes.
Supporters of this step say that such a change in policy sale of tobacco products can reduce the number of smokers in the city of 160 000 people over the next three years.
Residents who do not smoke, also like the new law. They believe that the increase in cigarette prices, many discourage the desire to buy them. Smokers do not believe that such assistance from the city authorities will help them to quit Smoking. Many will be able to experience a small increase in prices, and the most desperate can simply go to new Jersey, where cigarettes still cost $8 per pack.
The city Council of new York passed a bill to raise the minimum prices at the beginning of August. Some Council members voted against, arguing that this bill will seriously affect the budget of low-income residents of new York who are unable to quit Smoking. Opposed also by representatives of the city Association of convenience stores.
