“The tobacco industry continues to trick consumers into becoming long term addicts by artificially lowering the price of tobacco products. This legislation will put a stop to this deadly promotional tactic and continue California’s progressive efforts to reduce tobacco consumption in the state,” said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, the bill’s sponsor.
Last November California voters approved a USD 2 (EUR 1.86) per-unit tax hike for cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco and e-cigarettes. The increase took effect on 1 April. Similar legislation has been introduced in New York and numerous US cities, McCarty said in a statement.