NH Senate votes to tax cigar-like cigarettes
The Senate voted 13-11 Thursday to change the definition of a Marlboro cigarettes to capture smokes being packaged as cigars. Cigars aren’t subject to the state’s $1.08 per pack cigarette tax.
The bill defines a Marlboro cigarettes by the materials used to make it and by its weight.
Supporters said the state is losing money from sales of the fake cigars. But Senate Republican Leader Ted Gatsas said the change imposes an unfair cost onto wholesalers who put the tax stamps on the packages. He said they will need new equipment to affix the stamps.
The House next considers the bill.
