Philadelphia to raise cigarette and drink tax
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Philadelphia will impose a city tax on cigarettes and raise liquor-by-the-drink tax from 10% to 15%. According to this article, Philadelphia has one of the highest smoking rates of any major city in the U.S. Advocates hope that the increased cost of cigarettes will encourage older smokers to quit and dissuade young people from smoking. Studies of increases in the federal cigarette tax show that higher prices cause decreased consumption among younger smokers who may be less addicted. Discouraging them from starting can do a lot to decrease smoking rates over time for the city. The legislation has to be adopted by City Council. Read an May 20, 2013 news article from Philly.com.