The Oklahoma Supreme Court struck down a USD 1.50 (EUR 1.28) per-pack tax on cigarettes, saying the duty passed earlier this year violated the state constitution, the Associated Press reported.

Judges agreed with tobacco companies and other parties that the tax was approved by the legislature too late in the session, the AP said. The Oklahoma constitution bars revenue raising measures in the final five days of a session without a supermajority, which the cigarette bill did not obtain. Approval came as legislators sought to close a budget hole and find means to fund anti-smoking measures, the AP said.