New Bethel tobacco tax brings in more than $25,000 in first month

BETHEL, Alaska — Lighting up in Bethel is good for city coffers.

KYUK reports (http://is.gd/IiLBuU) the first month's receipts from a tobacco tax brought in more than $25,000 in March.

The tax went into effect March 1. It raises the price of cigarettes by $2.21 per pack and raise prices for other tobacco products by 45 percent.

City officials say that could boost the treasury by $300,000 to $400,000 a year, and the city council will decide how the money is used.

But officials say real intent is to making smoking so expensive, people will quit the habit.

Information from: KYUK-AM, http://www.kyuk.org

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