Health Officials Hope Higher Tax Prompts Smokers To Quit

State Health Commissioner Dr. Richard F. Daines and City Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas R. Frieden today jointly urged New Yorkers to quit smoking rather than pay an extra $1.25 per pack in state cigarette tax that takes effect today. The state tax on a pack of cigarettes now totals $2.75. New York City has an additional $1.50 tax bringing its total tax to $4.25 per pack - the highest cigarette taxes in the nation. Cigarettes will now cost more than $8 in New York City and more than $6 across the rest of the state.

The two health commissioners spoke at the Children's Museum of Manhattan to acknowledge the enormous benefit this measure will have for today's children and for future generations. Cigarette taxes are the most effective way to reduce smoking because higher prices drive people to quit smoking and prevent younger children from starting smoking.

Daines, citing data that each increase in state or federal cigarette taxes since the 1950s has been associated with a reduction in cigarette consumption.

"Raising the price of cigarettes will help thousands of adults quit and prevent many young people from starting smoking," said Commissioner Frieden. "At a pack a day, smoking is now a $3,000 a year habit in New York City."

Both departments are running media campaigns encouraging New Yorkers to use the tax hike as motivation to quit smoking.

On Tuesday, the city health department launched television, radio and print ads, and special nicotine patch giveaways to urge New Yorkers to quit smoking today. The campaign shows New Yorkers what they are giving up to smoke - from shopping sprees and plasma TVs to day care and health insurance. New Yorkers can visit www.nyc.gov/quitjune3 for more information.

The New York State Smokers' Quitline is prepared for an increase in calls from smokers seeking help with quitting. The Quitline provides free coaching and quit plans, free nicotine patches, gum and lozenges, free tips and information, and free online help. The Quitline phone number is 1-866-NY-QUITS (1-866-697-8487). Residents of New York City can call 311 to be linked to the Quitline. The web address is www.nysmokefree.com.