Backers of a state ballot measure calling for cigarette taxes in California to rise by USD 1 (EUR 0.80) per pack have conceded defeat, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Yes on Prop. 29 organisers issued a statement saying it is unlikely that a 28,000 vote deficit can be overcome with 110,000 votes remaining to be counted, the newspaper reported. Less than one percentage point has separated the yes and no votes on Proposition 29 since counting began after the 5 June primary.
"We are enormously encouraged, but we are going to wait and see until all votes are counted," said Beth Miller, a No on 29 spokeswoman cited by the Chronicle in its story on 22 June. (pi)