The owner of Holt's Cigars just gave a lengthy speech against Councilman Darrell Clarke's proposed tax on chewing tobacco, pipe tobacco and cigars, saying that the tax would force him to move his business out of the city.
Robert Levin, who said his family has owned Holt's since 1957, said the tax would jeopardize the future of his 95 employees at his two stores and wholesale business in the Northeast.
"Prosperity cannot be built upon new taxes that threaten long term loyal businesses," Levin said, as employees sat behind him holding signs that read "I Love My Job."
Clarke noted that many states and municipalities have similar taxes. "I think what we're proposing is fair and reasonable," he said. Clarke said he would amend the bill to exempt internet and mail-order sales.
Under the legislation, chewing and pipe tobacco would be taxed at 36 cents per ounce and individual cigars at 3.6 cents per ounce. It would be levied on retailers as part of their business tax and is expected to generate about $4 million annually.