More Smokers Calling for Help

Sure, lung cancer is hellish, but nothing motivates smokers to quit like a cigarette price increase. The city’s health department says the calls to 311 from smokers seeking help tripled during the week the state implemented a cigarette tax hike of $1.25. At over $8 a pack, smoking in New York City costs more than anywhere else in America, setting the pack-a-day smoker back $3,000 a year. The city contends tax increases in 2002 contributed to a five year, 21% drop in adult smoking and a 52% drop in smoking among New York City public high school students.

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By John Del Signore in News on July 10, 2008 5:45 PM

Comments [rss]

agdthefan

Granted Bloomberg is a tiny little speck of a thing, I still don't want that little jerk in my body. I don't care what he wants for me. I have parents. And last I checked he wasn't exactly subsidizing my life so who is he to tell me what to do. Lots of enjoyable things are dangerous. You non-smokers can laugh now but wait til he comes for your booze (addictive and dangerous!), your bikes (you could get hit by a car, crack your head open!) and your booty (if we can't prove you're having safe sex you put us all at risk! Aids! The hiv! Oh no!!).

I didn't vote for Bloomy because I have my own decision making skills (suspect as they are), but for those of you who did vote for him? What has he done for you lately? Hmm... You all love him so much but I never learn why...

DUNX

Personally I haven't been affected by the increase because I roll my own. I would say half of my smoker friends have also switched to rollies so I'm sure American Spirit is making bank right now.

matty

I didn't realize how bad smoking was until I quit. Believe the hype smokers, shit is nasty, and now even more expensive.

jenspellnogood

look I'll agree to compromise; i will stop smoking if all of you nannies will start doing your job. I expect all my meals, just the way i like them, at least one sponge bath a day, and you are to wipe my ass each and every time i take a dump.

STOP TELLING ME WHAT'S GOOD OR BAD FOR ME - I HAVE A MOMMY ALREADY!!!!!!!

You self-righteous assholes will have a hard landing when you fall off your high horses.

KinoSport

Smoking is fun. Enough said.

Rocknrope

Whatever it takes to get these idiots to stop smoking. I really don't get it. This isn't 1953 with Desi Arnaz smoking on TV. You've got to be some kind of moron to start such a habit in this day and age.

wiseguynyc

It would be nice if they could ban cigarettes. Big tobacco would never stand for it though.

I always think of it this way: If cigarettes were introduced today they would never get pass the FDA.