Bay smokers are unhappy about the New Year's tax increase in tobacco.
Before Christmas, the Bay was hit by monsoon-like rain. The windscreen wipers in the car could barely keep up. I drove past a sorry sight - a group of smokers, huddled outside a building and sucking in the nicotine despite getting soaked.
However much I detest the smell, I don't
hate smokers. Good people I know smoke. I nag them to give up. I sympathise with them, for they are locked in addiction arguably stronger than the grip of any other drug.
In Tuesday's Bay of Plenty Times we reported that Bay smokers are unhappy about the New Year's tax increase in tobacco, which has driven tobacco products up by about $4. It is the third year in a row to start with a 10 per cent tax rise. Another rise is due in 2016.
If a smoker needs a pack a day, the increases mean he is likely to spend $140 a week on the habit. Who has $140 a week to burn?
Hitting smokers in the pocket will hopefully see more people give up. Quitline say it is their busiest month.
