The cigarette black market

[Alcott]

It's probably well-known that different states tax cigarettes and other tobacco products at different rates, and in particular tobacco-growing states tax tobacco products at much less than states that highly regulate many business activities. The article referenced below tells of how after New York raised its cigarette tax rate to $4.25/pack, and New York City raised it another $1.35. The result is an estimate of 60% of cigarette sales being on the black market. And many people are taking advantage of the low taxes in Virginia to transport the cigs from Virginia to New York, and making lucrative profits.

The poll here, in order to focus the issue's relevance on a Christian board, is about the morals of exploiting tobacco products as well as participating in illegal business activities. Should Christians who smoke save money-- or make money-- by the cigarette black market? Also, there are legal ways to pay less for one's cigarettes-- such as buying them on certain Indian reservations-- should Christians take advantage of situations like this?

CSP Tobacco: Black-Market Woes

 

[JohnDeereFan]

Honestly, I'm torn on the issue. On the one hand, I strenuously object to the government regulating and taxing tobacco.

But, on the other, if the regulation and taxation of tobacco doesn't violate scripture, then I can't see any reason not to obey the law.

 

[JohnDeereFan]

Should Christians who smoke save money-- or make money-- by the cigarette black market? Also, there are legal ways to pay less for one's cigarettes-- such as buying them on certain Indian reservations-- should Christians take advantage of situations like this?

CSP Tobacco: Black-Market Woes

If it's legal, sure. I once lived in New Jersey, but worked in Delaware. I did all my shopping on the way home from work to avoid New Jersey's sales taxes.

My friends from Pennsylvania would often drive over the bridge into New Jersey to buy wine, because Pa has state owned liquor stores that make it very difficult to buy wine.

 

[David Kent]

Probably the correct answer should be that Christians shouldn't smoke.

Here in the UK we are in the EU common market. Tobacco and alcohol are much cheaper on the continent, so people get a cheap day crossing on the ferry and people go to Belgium to get tobacco and cigarettes and France for wine and beer. You are allowed to bring back a certain amount for your personal use, but are not allowed to sell it. I don't know what the limit is for tobacco but last I heard was that for wine it is 90 litres per person, 110 litres for beer, for personal use only. Those are only suggested limits, if you can prove it is not for sale, such as if you have a wedding in the family you are buying it for, I don't think there is any limit, providing you don't sell it. That was the last I heard several years ago. It may be different now.

 

[church mouse guy]

Individual cigarettes are sold in Indianapolis in the slums. You can also buy a single can of beer in ghetto liquor stores. However, I myself scrupulously follow the Baptist Manual and only go in liquor stores for empty boxes.