New York smokers buying cigarettes in Pennsylvania
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 (GST)

PENNSYLVANIA -- New York smokers are buying lots of Cigarettes in Pennsylvania. "I actually make trips down here once a week or so," said Savona resident Tim Soporowski. "I always buy my Cigarettes in Pennsylvania. Simply because it is a little cheaper," said Big Flats resident Dave Kenyon. Now it's a lot cheaper, since a new tax raised the price of a pack in New York by $1.25 to some $5, $6 and even $7 a pack. "It's crazy," Soporowski said. "We don't like it," said Phyllis Gurnsey, a Campbell resident. "Taxes on gas and Cigarettes are already to the point where they're really affecting the economy. It's too much," Kenyon said. Cigarettes typically are cheaper in Pennsylvania than in New York. But the new additional tax has More people leaving stores in New York and going into ones in Pennsylvania. "I am buying mine strictly in Pennsylvania because New York's prices are outrageous," Elkland resident Holly Allen said. New York State health officials expect the tax will get some smokers to quit. People on the border have other plans. "Everything is going to kill you someday or another. The air can kill you. People do what they want to do," Soporowski said. One smoker says the tax actually may deter him from lighting up. "No, it'll probably force me to quit," said Elmira resident Charles White. White said the drive to Pennsylvania saps the savings. "It's not worth it with the gas and all. It'll be inefficient," White said. Others disagree. "We enjoy the ride down to Pennsylvania. It's nice down here," Gurnsey said. And at least for now, it's cheaper, too. One gas station owner in Pennsylvania says More customers have been coming in over the past couple of days. A New York gas station owner says business is down and he expects it'll stay that way.