Increased cigarette taxes in NYC evident through discarded packs on city streets

In a recent study led by Kevin Schroth, a researcher at Rutgers University's Institute for Nicotine and Tobacco Studies, the prevalence of smoking in New York City and the sources of illicit cigarettes were examined.

The study found that the smoking rate in New York City has been steadily decreasing. From 22% in 2002, the prevalence of smoking halved to 11% in 2020 and further dropped below 10% for the first time in 2023, reaching 8.4%.

However, the study also highlighted the limitations of its findings, noting that littered packs may not be fully representative of all packs smoked in the city.

The main sources of contraband cigarettes found in New York City are primarily from Native American reservations and international smuggling routes. Georgia was the primary source, making up 27.8% of the littered packs, followed by Virginia with 20.6%.

Cigarettes sold legally in New York City are among the highest taxed in the United States. Yet, the percentage of cigarettes with the proper New York City tax stamp has decreased from 39.3% in 2011 to 23.7% in 2015. Of 252 discarded cigarette packs found on the streets across the five boroughs, just 17% had the proper New York City tax stamp.

The findings suggest that people are profiting by purchasing cigarettes in states with lower taxes and selling them in New York City. Code phrases like "special price" are used to signal interest in the tax-free cigarettes. This means smugglers and their customers are able to split more than $6 in savings on each pack of cigarettes.

The city's sheriff's office conducts regular tobacco inspections, seizing illegal or unlicensed tobacco products, issuing violations, and making arrests where appropriate.

Schroth previously worked with New York City's health department on cigarette tax enforcement. His current study found that most of the discarded cigarette packs collected in New York City were brought in from states with much lower taxes on the product.

The city's health department reported that the smoking rate drop could be partly attributed to the increased cost of cigarettes due to taxes. However, the study's findings suggest that the prevalence of illicit cigarettes may also play a significant role in the smoking trends in New York City.

The study also found a correlation between littering and the purchase of untaxed cigarettes. People who litter may be more likely to have bought untaxed cigarettes, the study concluded.

In conclusion, while the smoking rate in New York City has been decreasing, the prevalence of illicit cigarettes remains a concern. The city continues to work on enforcing cigarette taxes and combating illegal tobacco sales to protect public health.

Increased cigarette taxes in NYC evident through discarded packs on city streets