KINGSTON – Discounts on the sale of all tobacco products, including coupons and multi-pack price promotions are now prohibited in the state.
“The tobacco industry knows that price reducing strategies are crucial because they make tobacco products cheaper and more affordable to the public, especially kids and low-income smokers,” said Ellen Reinhard, director of Tobacco Free Action Communities based in Kingston. “This new law that restricts discount price promotions such as buy two packs get one free, on tobacco products, is a big step toward reducing tobacco use and youth nicotine addiction.”
The new law limits the tobacco industry’s ability to circumvent New York State’s high taxes on tobacco products, which are proven to reduce smoking prevalence, especially among youth.
Reinhard said it is “a significant victory in combating Big Tobacco’s long history of discounts and other pricing schemes that target youth, minority communities, low-income communities and people trying to quit.”
