We’ve tried to cut down smoking rates with advertising campaigns, warning labels, and restaurant smoking bans, but hitting tobacco users in their wallets may be the most effective way to curb smoking. After raising their state’s cigarette tax rate to the highest in the country in 2008, New York is seeing a major decline in smoking rates. Last year, 16.7% of adults were smokers — that’s the percentage in the state’s history, and represents a 12% drop from the year before.
With a pack of cigarettes reportedly going for nearly $10 in New York, it’s no wonder why smokers are giving up the habit in droves. The tax increase last year made the state’s cigarette tax the highest in the nation. To ease the withdrawal, public health in the state has a program called New York State Quitline that offers support and assistance such as free nicotine patches for those trying to quit. If other state’s wish to stamp out smoking, following New York’s lead may be the best tack.
For more, see this news story, and this blog
