Cost of Cigarettes Increasing Jan 1st in Minnesota

If you're a smoker, be prepared to pay more for cigarettes in Minnesota in 2016.

The cost of a pack of cigarettes is increasing here in Minnesota as of January first, thanks to an increase in the cigarette tax. According to a story in BringMeTheNews.com, you can expect to pay about 12-cents more per pack in the new year.

The story says, "The cost of a pack of cigarettes in Minnesota is going up on the first of the year. The state’s cigarette tax rates are increasing so smokers will pay $3.54 in taxes on each pack of cigarettes, which is about a 12-cent increase over 2015, according to KSTP."

Minnesota cigarette taxes are already some of the highest in the nation. As the KSTP story noted, "Minnesota already has one of the highest rates in the country at $2.90 per pack, significantly higher than 44 cents in North Dakota, $1.53 in South Dakota, $1.36 in Iowa and $2.52 in Wisconsin."

Some retailers fear these increases will be enough to affect their business, as well. The KSTP story went on to say, "Minnesota Service Station & Convenience Store Association Executive Director Lance Klatt says Minnesota is losing business because of the tax. He points out that because of 2013 legislation, the state's cigarette tax automatically increases every year."  

Klatt also said, "Even before the 2016 rate increase kicks-in -- it's a big enough difference to drive business across the border. 'It's not just we're losing money on the tobacco and cigarette taxes, it's also losing money on all other items sold at these retail locations.'"

It doesn't look like the price is set to fall anytime soon, though. If you are still a smoker and you'd like to quit, check out some of these 2016 resolutions our own Samm Adams found that might help you kick the habit!