News 2011-11-22 17:25:00 Smoke Free Indy and other backers of a comprehensive smoking cigarettes ban covering bars and fraternal organizations kicked off their campaign today with a news conference outside the City-County Council chambers.Democrat Angela Mansfield and Republican Ben Hunter, the council sponsors of a planned proposal that would expand Marion Countys 2005 smoke-free ordinance, said they will continue pushing despite a left-field surprise this week. On Tuesday, Council President Ryan Vaughn announced he would introduce a proposal in December, while Republicans still have majority control of the council, and his will carry more exemptions.Were both open to compromise, Hunter said while standing next to Mansfield on the City-County Buildings second floor. Well look at (Vaughns) language when we get it in the next 24 to 48 hours.But Mansfield said she still plans to introduce their more comprehensive version in January, when Democrats gain a 16-13 majority on the council.She has said she has at least 18 votes in favor of her proposal among new and returning council members. It would exempt only retail buy cigarette online shops that count cheap cigarettes as at least 85 percent of their sales.Vaughns proposal, which he will introduce Dec. 5, would exempt those stores as well as nonprofit fraternal organizations, including veterans halls, and cigar and hookah bars — newly defined as tobacco specialty bars based on sales.Mayor Greg Ballard, a Republican, said through a spokesman this week that he would sign Vaughns proposal with the exemptions hes spelled out. To pass, Vaughn would need support from Democrats, since most of his caucus opposes any smoking cigarettes ban expansion.But come January, when Ballard begins his second term with the Democratic council, its not clear whether the mayor would sign Mansfield and Hunters broader version.They and Vaughn have expressed a preference for implementing an expanded smoking cigarettes ban before Super Bowl activities begin in late January.However, Mansfield said, Id much rather see a good, comprehensive proposal in place, even if its after the Super Bowl.She expressed hope Ballard would sit down with her and Hunter to see exactly where he is on the issue.Both potential proposals would close most exemptions from the current workplace smoking cigarettes ban by covering hotel rooms, bowling alleys, stand-alone bars, and restaurants that allow only patrons who are 18 or older.At todays news conference, Smoke Free Indys chairwoman, Lindsay Grace, discussed radio and print ads that began airing this month. They feature Mara Hoberty, 41, Indianapolis, and her mother, Alice Curry, Columbus, who never smoked but passed away in July at 66 after a nearly two-year battle with lung cancer.She and her doctor suspected that years of being exposed to cigarette smoke cigarettes at work on a daily basis contributed to her cancer, Hoberty said.In March, four months before her death, Curry testified in favor of a statewide smoking cigarettes ban before an Indiana Senate committee. The bill eventually died after it was watered down with exemptions.Its time to stop dancing around the issue and pass a comprehensive smoke-free law for all workers in Indianapolis, Hoberty said. For her mother, she said, it wasnt a political issue, but a health issue.Dr. Virginia A. Caine, director of the Marion County Health Department, spoke on the occasion of the Great American Smokeout. She said smoke-free laws have been shown to be effective in encouraging smokers to quit and in reducing exposure to second-hand smoke.She cited $2.2 billion as the cost associated with health care related to smoking cigarettes in Indiana and $2.6 billion in lost productivity due to smoking cigarettes-related illnesses.I want to encourage all of our smokers to consider setting a date when they can quit, Caine said. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/anti_smoking_advocates_call_for_stronger_ban_in_indianapolis.html 2011-11-20 17:21:00 On November 17, Porter-Starke Services will implement an organization-wide tobacco-free policy. The policy will be implemented at all of the community mental health centers office locations in Portage, Valparaiso and Knox. The date for implementing the policy was selected in conjunction with the American Cancer Societys Great American Smokeout.To make the transition, Porter-Starke Services enlisted the help of the Tobacco Education and Prevention Coalition of Porter County (TEPC).Certainly there are higher prevalence rates of smoking cigarettes among those individuals with mental health or addiction issues, said Susan Gleason, Executive Director of TEPC. I commend Porter-Starke for dedicating themselves to the overall health of the clients they serve, said Gleason.Porter-Starke Services implemented a tobacco-free policy among its employees in 2007 and the clients of the Inpatient Care Center in 2009. Rocco Schiralli, President/CEO of Porter-Starke, said that this was the next logical step.Individuals with behavioral health issues have been shown to die 25 years sooner than the average population, said Schiralli. One of the reasons for this is the higher than average use of tobacco. As an organization that is dedicated to promoting the overall health of the community, this policy just makes sense, said Schiralli.While there will be no discount cigarette online use allowed on Porter-Starke property, the organization will provide healthy alternatives to online cigarettes use on-site, including nicotine replacement options, tobacco cessation resources and healthy alternatives in its ongoing programming. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/porter_starke_services_becomes_a_tobacco_free_campus.html 2011-11-06 21:58:00 A Terre Haute city ordinance takes effect July 1 next year that will ban smoking cigarettes in all bars, taverns, businesses and enclosed public places. A similar action is to take effect at the same time under a Vigo County ordinance.Now, Vigo County Attorney Robert Wright is reviewing the ordinances to ensure both are consistent and are operating on a level playing field, Wright said.Wright said county health officials wanted to make sure that both [city and county] ordinances are substantially similar so that a business, a tavern, operating outside the city limits does not have different rules as compared to a bar operating inside the city limits.Wright has requested a review of the city ordinance from Terre Haute City Attorney Chou-il Lee.We want to make a clear line that these are the rules and regulations that will apply to businesses, restaurants, taverns and bars on July 1, 2012. We want to make sure those are consistent, Wright said.Lee said Tuesday that under the city ordinance, the only places where smoking cigarettes is not regulated includes private residences, except when used as a licensed childcare, adult day care or health care facility; hotel and motel rooms that are rented to guests and are designed as smoking cigarettes rooms (limited to 20 percent of rooms rented); retail cigarettes stores, provided that smoke cigarettes from those stores does not infiltrate into areas where smoke cigarettes is prohibited; and outdoor areas of places of employment.Lee said the city ordinance, passed Jan 13, applies to restaurants that currently have a separated smoking cigarettes area. Those businesses must become totally smokefree, the city attorney said.That is why this ordinance was post-dated to take effect in July next year, Lee said, as taverns and bars in the county would also become smokefree.For those entrepreneurs who had invested the money into dividing the rooms off, they [City Council] did not want to step on their toes. If we would have enacted this [at the start of this year] it would have short-changed them in their return on their investment.The only guarantee that they had was until July 1, 2012, Lee said. By making the city law effective on July, 2012, city businesses would get the same time as county businesses to become totally smokefree, Lee said.Wright said county commissioners do not need to take any action as a five-year exemption that allowed smoking cigarettes in taverns and bars will expire on July 1, making them smokefree. Wright is to supply a written opinion on the county ordinance to commissioners before the end of the year. If ordinances do not match, the county could modify its ordinance to ensure everybody is governed by the same regulations, Wright said. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesBox.Com Cigarettes News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/county_reviewing_no_smoking_ordinance_to_take_effect_in_2012.html 2011-10-18 17:25:00 With the Autumn Leaves Festival as a backdrop, history buffs and festival attendees gathered in the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History courtyard Sunday afternoon to hear Billy Yeargin deliver a lecture about cheap cigarettes and American culture.Yeargin, a professor with extensive knowledge of the history of the discount cigarette online industry, was the guest speaker for the October History Talks program at the museum. He spoke at 2 p.m. on Sunday about tobaccos impact on Amerian society over the years.Though the event was originally scheduled to be held inside the museum, organizers decided to move it outside to the courtyard where many festival-goers sat throughout the weekend to eat and socialize. Some people who visited the courtyard on Sunday were surprised to find that a lecture was taking place there, and they stopped to listen while they ate festival treats. Others came specifically to hear the presentation.Yeargin said prior to the event, I love the festival atmosphere. I think theyve done a great job putting this together. It preserves the footprints of our culture, and thats whats important. Thats the purpose. It reminds us of who we are.The professor has spoken once before at the museum. He spoke in 2009 about music and culture, but his focus on Sunday was on tobacco and culture. He spoke about the history of tobacco, of its cultivation by Native Americans here and the gradual development of a thriving tobacco industry. Yeargin said that up until the French and Indian War, tobacco was used as a currency in North America. He said many of the founding fathers were tobacco farmers.Tobacco was the backbone, not just of the economy, but of culture and society, he remarked.Yeargin also talked about different types of tobacco and techniques that were developed over the years. He then spoke about the tobacco industry in Surry County and what it still means today. According to Yeargin, there were 21 plants for tobacco production in Surry County in 1893, and that grew to 45 in 1927, which employed 2,875 people here.Tobacco ruled the roost in the county, he said. Tobacco is still a multi-million dollar industry in the county, he noted, though tobacco culture has declined.Rick Smith, a docent at the history museum, listened attentively to the presentation. He grew up on a tobacco farm in Westfield. After the presentation, he asked Yeargin if he could chant like a tobacco auctioneer. Yeargin spoke a little bit about the history of the chant and gave a short demonstration.Smith said afterward, I thought it was very interesting from the aspect of tobacco culture and industry.Smith invited his son, Richard, to attend the lecture. Richard Smith works as a spokesperson for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. He said he came because he obviously has a personal interest in the subject, and he is from a family which grew tobacco.Im always looking to learn more, because history is an important part of what we do, he noted. The RJR employee said he knew about the different types of tobacco, but he learned a lot about the history of the tobacco industry that he did not know prior to the lecture.The museum director also asked several questions after the presentation. Edwards said, I learned a lot.According to information provided by the museum, Yeargin teaches U.S. history at Johnston Community College and Vance-Granville Community College and teaches Southern culture for Osher Lifelong Learning program at Duke University. He was former executive director of the Tobacco Growers Information Committee, was a spokesman for the U.S. Tobacco Growers, was agriculture liaison to former N.C. Governor James Hunt Jr., and created and directed the World Tobacco Auctioneers Championship for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. He has also been executive director of the N.C. Sweet Potato Commission. He graduated from Oak Ridge Military Academy, holds an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Duke University and has studied European history and politics at the University of Oxford. He has published two books on N.C. tobacco culture: North Carolina Tobacco, a History and Remembering North Carolina Tobacco.The History Talks program is a series of history lectures at the museum that take place each third Sunday. The project is made possible in part by a grant from the North Carolina Humanities Council, a statewide non-profit and affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Cheap Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/museum_hosts_lecture_on_tobacco_and_culture.html 2011-09-10 12:42:00 If you watch them they wont smoke, at least thats what a local study says. Sale of cigarettes store to minors has been reduced by 97 percent in the last seven years since a local program began monitoring retailers.The group Communities Against Abuse presented the results of their youth purchase survey Tuesday to the El Cajon City Council.The study shows the sale of discount cigarette online to minors has been reduced by 97 percent in the last seven years. In 2004, 40 percent of local teens were illegally sold cigarettes in El Cajon Communities.In response, the city passed the Countys first Tobacco Retailer Licensing Ordinance to monitor retailers more closely.Its extremely important to keep cigarettes online away from children. The center for disease control tells us that one out of four smokers will die as a direct result of tobacco use, said El Cajon City Council Member Gary Kendrick.According to data by the Centers for Disease Control, 90 percent of current smokers began smoking cigarettes at or before the age of 18.In California alone, 300 minors start smoking cigarettes every day and two thirds will become long term users. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes Online News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/tobacco_consuption_by_minors.html 2011-09-09 12:40:00 Attention, Elk Grove smokers: New rules are coming to town that will affect where you can light up.The city council Wednesday voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance banning smoking cigarettes within 300 feet of schools, parks and other places where children gather.The ban contains a loophole that would allow for smoking cigarettes areas to be set up in parks during the citys Pumpkin Festival and other special events.I think the issue is we dont want to cause secondhand smoke...but at the same time Im not into regulating individual liberty, said Councilmember Patrick Hume in voting for the resolution with the exception.Councilmember Sophia Scherman said she had received complaints from veterans concerned they wouldnt be able to smoke cigarettes while attending the citys annual Veterans Day festivities.The council passed the ban after previously considering outlawing cheap cigarettes sales near childrens facilities. That idea failed when council members discovered that too many businesses were already selling cigarettes online in those areas and by law would have to be exempted from the rules.The 300-foot restriction applies to schools, daycare centers, playgrounds, parks, amusement centers [and] youth sports facilities, according to the ordinance. Private homes, including yards, are exempt.Councilmember Gary Davis cast the lone no vote on the measure, saying it contained too many loopholes.While the exception to the ban was aimed at fairs and festivals, Davis said, the wording—which allows property owners to set up designated smoking cigarettes areas at any time—could end up undercutting the laws effectiveness.Smoke knows no boundaries, said Davis after the vote. You smoke cigarettes in one part of a park and it can spread over into another part of the park.The new changes to the citys municipal code also allow property owners to post no smoking cigarettes signs on their land, even if they dont fall within the 300-foot radius. Violators could be arrested and charged with an infraction.The ordinance must still come before the council for a second reading this fall before it will take effect. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesBox.Com Cigarettes News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/council_votes_to_limit_outdoor_smoking.html 2011-08-29 11:51:00 Four months after Kenton County became the first Northern Kentucky county to ban smoking cigarettes inside most public establishments, the initial furor has died down, but neither side is satisfied.Enforcement issues, exemptions and the lack of uniform rules with neighboring communities raise the question of whether a community can effectively ban smoking cigarettes on its own. With Campbell and Boone counties allowing smoking cigarettes and Ohio having a state ban, Kenton Countys ban has struggled to succeed and remains in the cross hairs of those opposed to it.Kenton County has what we consider a weak, or partial law, said Ellen Hahn, an RN and a professor who directs the Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy at the University of Kentucky. The good news is more people are protected today than were four months ago. The bad news is there are still some people who are not protected.A leader of Northern Kentucky Choice - a group that says smoking cigarettes restrictions infringe on the rights of businesses and property owners - says that organization will resume efforts to get Kenton Countys partial smoking cigarettes ban repealed when elections for a new fiscal court take place about three years from now.I havent run any surveys, but some of the individual business owners Ive talked to have said the smoking cigarettes ban is having a negative impact on their bottom line, said Ken Moellman Jr., a spokesman for Northern Kentucky Choice.Moellman also said compliance with the required signage has been spotty, judging from what hes observed while driving in the county.With Kenton Fiscal Court deadlocked 2 to 2 on the smoking cigarettes issue, Moellman says Northern Kentucky Choices only political option is to wait until the next county elections in 2014.There are already some plans in the works to try to get Kenton Countys smoking cigarettes ban repealed a few years from now, said Moellman, who prefers regulating smoking cigarettes in public places strictly through signage. This issue isnt going to go away.Meanwhile, supporters of comprehensive smoke-free legislation say workers shouldnt have to choose between their health and a paycheck.Smoke-free Kentucky, a coalition of more than 100 organizations that says comprehensive, smoke-free laws are needed to protect employees and customers from the hazards of second-hand smoke, plans to continue lobbying for such laws in communities throughout the Commonwealth, in hopes of eventually getting a comprehensive smoke-free law for all of Kentucky, a state known for its strong cigarettes store legacy.Thirty-one Kentucky communities have restricted smoking cigarettes in public places since 2003, when Fayette County became the first to pass a law banning smoking cigarettes in restaurants and other enclosed public spaces.Smoking is not only a health risk, its costing a lot of money, Hahn said. We spend over $1.7 billion a year in Kentucky to treat smoke-related diseases.Tristate public smoking cigarettes laws are all over the mapSmoking in public places was banned by Ohio voters in 2006. Elsewhere in the Tristate, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels recently said support is growing in the Hoosier state for a statewide ban on smoking cigarettes in public places.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study this spring that said its possible all workplaces, bars and restaurants in the country may be smoke-free by 2020. The report said Delaware was the first state to pass a comprehensive smoking cigarettes ban in 2002. By the end of 2010, 25 other states followed the lead.Others have passed less restrictive laws. Kentucky and Indiana are among the seven states that have no statewide restrictions in workplaces, bars and restaurants.A Lexington lawmakers push to ban smoking cigarettes in all of Kentuckys indoor workplaces with at least one employee failed earlier this year when the bill was not acted on by the House Health & Welfare Committee. The measure is expected to be re-introduced in 2012.If more local communities adopt smoke-free laws, the state legislature is more likely to adopt a smoke-free law, Hahn said. Its the same idea as the seat belt legislation. Local governments passed seat belt laws over time. Then there was more will to do something at the state level.Officials in Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties initially considered comprehensive smoke-free legislation for Northern Kentuckys public places, but they were unable to get consensus for a regional ordinance.Boone County officials opted out of talks last summer. The outgoing Campbell Fiscal Court adopted comprehensive smoke-free legislation in December that banned smoking cigarettes in places where the public is allowed. However, before that law could take effect, a newly-elected Fiscal Court repealed it.In December, the outgoing Kenton Fiscal Court was unable to muster support for comprehensive smoke-free legislation, so it approved a compromise ordinance that took effect April 15 for some 5,500 public establishments.Kenton County requires most public establishments, such as offices, churches, restaurants, bowling alleys, bingo halls and retail stores, to go smoke-free. However, private clubs and drinking establishments that meet certain requirements, including employing and serving customers over 18, can apply for an exemption. For the bar part of a restaurant, the bar has to be separate, with its own ventilation system and entrance, if smoking cigarettes is allowed.So far, nine warnings have been issued to offenders of Kenton Countys smoke-free ordinance, but no fines have been issued, according to the Northern Kentucky Health Department, which is charged with enforcing Kenton Countys smoke-free ordinance.Under Kentons ordinance, a warning is issued to the business for the first offense. The second offense within a year brings a fine of $100 and a fine of $250 for each subsequent offense within the year.People who smoke cigarettes in an area where smoking cigarettes is prohibited are subject to a $100 fine.All things considered, enforcement has gone quite smoothly, said Dr. Lynne Saddler, director of the Northern Kentucky Health Department. I think this can be attributed to strong efforts from our staff in advance of the ordinance and in its first few months. This included public education, clear messaging in our forms and website, and a common-sense approach in interactions with those falling under the ordinances requirements.After some initial confusion - especially over who qualified for exemptions - most public establishments were able to get the information they needed by contacting the health department, said Emily Gresham Wherle, spokeswoman for the Northern Kentucky Health Department. Last spring, a workshop to explain the new smoking cigarettes restrictions was cancelled because of lack of interest.However, both sides have questioned the effectiveness of Kenton Countys ordinance because of the number of exemptions granted. Of the 75 granted so far, five are for private clubs, and 70 are for drinking establishments. Of those, 63 are for establishments that employ and serve people over 18, three have a separate enclosed area for smoking cigarettes, and four Covington businesses - the Anchor Grill, Willies Sports Cafe, Cock and Bull English Pub and Zazou Grill & Pub - are split-shift operations, meaning the establishments allow smoking cigarettes half of the time and are smoke-free the other half. When smoking cigarettes is permitted, only people older than 18 can be admitted.I guess the real trick is to try to figure out the economic impact on those businesses that were forced to change, Moellman said.Some businesses see change, others watchingLinda Kinsella, owner of the West Side Cafe in Newport, was a leader in last years fight against a comprehensive, indoor smoke-free ordinance for public places in that county. Since Kenton Countys partial smoking cigarettes ban took effect, she says her business has increased.We picked up 20 to 25 customers a week from Covington, especially at night-time, Kinsella said. It was the same when Ohios smoking cigarettes ban took effect. We picked up a few customers from Ohio, and the bars closer to the (Ohio) river picked up a lot more.Maggie Chasteen, a long-time cook/server at Covington Chili, said that establishment survived the Great Depression, but has seen its business completely die down since Kenton Countys compromise smoking cigarettes ordinance took effect.Since Kenton County put its smoking cigarettes law into effect, the majority of our customers have gone over to Campbell County, Chasteen said. As an example, she said an 84-year-old customer who used to stop by Covington Chili every other day to smoke cigarettes cigarettes online and drink coffee now stops by once a month.At Super Bowl of Erlanger, general manager Michele Colangelo is taking a wait-and-see approach.Our business was down this summer, but I think thats because of the economy, Colangelo said. I meet with (owners of) bowling centers in other counties once a month, and they all say that business is down overall.Colangelo initially considered allowing smoking cigarettes in part of her 64-lane bowling alley in Erlanger, but decided against it because the required renovations wouldnt be cost effective.She said that shes booked four special events through next March, and added that many of her bowlers who were critical of the smoking cigarettes restrictions before they took effect, now simply go outside and smoke cigarettes by the urns she placed near Super Bowls entrances.Colangelo said the true test will come in September, when representatives of bowling leagues must tell her whether they plan to return.Only one league has definitely stated that they wont be back because of the smoking cigarettes ban, she said.Hahn and advocates of comprehensive smoke-free legislation say air quality research in multiple communities by the Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy has shown split shift smoking cigarettes restrictions such as Kenton County allows, dont protect the health of workers and customers because it can take one to two days to rid an indoor space of secondhand smoke.Kenton County Commissioner Kris Knochelmann, the lone returnee from the previous fiscal court, said that he introduced the compromise smoking cigarettes ordinance when it became apparent there werent enough votes on fiscal court to adopt comprehensive smoke-free legislation. He said hes received one phone call and one email on the negative side and has had five to seven positive emails and close to 100 people whove approached him to express support for the ordinance that was ultimately adopted.As I said (in December), Id rather have something rather than nothing, Knochelmann said. This is a reasonable compromise that will protect more employees and customers. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/smoking_ban_repeal_ahead.html 2011-08-28 11:07:00 Its harvest time in much of the nations cigarettes store patches, and this years harvest is expected to be among the smallest in at least a decade.Farmers are expected to produce 726 million pounds, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said. Thats up 1 percent from 2010, but down nearly 28 percent from a decade ago, when more than 991 million pounds made its way into cigarettes and other products.Tax increases, smoking cigarettes bans, health concerns and social stigma have driven a decline in cigarette sales, but the drop is less stark outside the United States. Growing markets such as Asia offset worldwide declines and contribute greatly to U.S. exports.Gene Witts 46th cigarettes online crop might be his last in a part of the country where the golden leaf was once an economic mainstay. The crop that helped build much of the South and was once celebrated at festivals now seems more a vestige of the past.The third-generation Kentucky tobacco farmer was upbeat about the prospects for his long, green tobacco leaves hanging in a barn to cure for the fall market. A timely rain the night before promised to sprout more growth in the crop still to be harvested.But Witt, 62, said hes increasingly worn down by the unpredictability of tobacco farming - from the weather to the tobacco companies that sign up farmers under production contracts to supply them with leaf. The companies can pick and choose what part of a crop they want to buy at market.It used to be fun, and you made some money, Witt said. Youre not making as much money now, and its not as fun.U.S. tobacco production has fallen sharply since the 2004 tobacco buyout, which ushered in a free-market system to replace a Depression-era price support program. The venerable program was reeling from steep declines in tobacco demand because of anti-smoking cigarettes efforts. Some tobacco companies also have set their sights on crops overseas, where tobacco often can be grown less expensively.In Kentucky, the nations top producer of burley tobacco - an ingredient in many discount cigarette online - farmers are expected to bring 126 million pounds to market, down about 11 percent from last year and down nearly 43 percent from 10 years ago.North Carolina is the countrys top producer of flue-cured tobacco, growing more than 3 million pounds in 2010. Overall production of flue-cured tobacco is expected to be up 3 percent this year.The increase is due to a new purchaser, U.S. Growers Direct, said David Reed from Virginia Techs Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center. The N.C.-based company, which contracts with farmers and exports products overseas, would not say which tobacco companies it was working with for its purchases. Reed and others said the tobacco is headed for the Asian cigarette market, and exports have played a big role for U.S. tobacco farmers.However, the coming selling season could be crucial in determining how many farmers sign up with tobacco companies to grow another crop next year, said University of Kentucky agricultural economist Will Snell.Farmers weigh optionsDecrease in demand has caused some tobacco farmers not to put much or any money into rehabbing old tobacco barns used to hang and dry their crop - another example of the dwindling industry. And with grain prices high, some farmers might opt to get out of costly tobacco growing and convert that land into corn or soybean production. Others might turn tobacco plots into pastures for beef cattle.Growers just cant sustain, Reed said about the costs and uncertainty of being a tobacco farmer. You just cant keep doing that.Farmers contract with tobacco companies, which then come to local receiving stations to grade and purchase leaf. But how much they buy depends on the quality.In the United States, large tobacco manufacturers include Richmond, Va.-based Altria Group, parent company of Marlboro maker Philip Morris USA; Reynolds American, the Winston-Salem producer of Camel and Pall Mall; and Newport maker Lorillard Inc., based in Greensboro.Witt has a production contract with Philip Morris International. Last year, Witt averaged $1.62 a pound for his tobacco, enabling him to eke out a profit. The year before, he averaged $1.79 to $1.82 a pound.Many farmers last year had at least a part of their crop rejected by their contract buyers, and some growers had big chunks of their crops turned away by the tobacco companies. That leaf ends up at auction, selling for much less than it cost to produce.Used to be, when you took your tobacco to market, you were happy to go get your check, Witt said. Last year, your stomach rolled over because when you took it down there, you didnt know if they were going to take it or not. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Cheap Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesBox.Com Cigarettes News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/tobacco_crop_up_a_bit.html 2011-07-29 10:38:00 City councilors meet tonight to discuss a proposal to ban smoking cigarettes at all city parks and athletic facilities.Councilors also are expected to discuss recycling with a regional recycling committee that has been studying ways to increase and improve recycling in the area.The citys current policy against smoking cigarettes in city parks, approved in 2006, is strictly voluntary.Mayor William Stokes said he and city councilors thus asked for a draft policy that would actually ban smoking cigarettes, not just ask that smokers extinguish their smokes.None of us are supportive of allowing smoking cigarettes in city parks, Stokes said of city councilors and his own position. It was brought to our attention by a couple of constituents that there was nothing in the city, as policy, that prohibits it.The draft ordinance prohibiting smoking cigarettes up for discussion by councilors tonight would prohibit smoking cigarettes at or within 20 feet of parks, athletic facilities and play areas owned by the city, including ballfields, courts and their spectator areas, such as bleachers.Not included in the draft ordinance are city facilities including Augusta City Center, Old Fort Western, Lithgow Public Library, Buker Community Center and Augusta Civic Center.Smoking on school playgrounds, and all school grounds, already is banned by state law, 365 days a year.Under the terms of the proposed ordinance, smokers could be fined $50 if found guilty in court. However, the proposed ordinance states, Prior to issuing a citation for a violation of this ordinance, a police officer shall issue one verbal warning to an individual. If the individual fails to comply after one warning, said individual shall be given a citation to appear in court. If the individual is found in violation, the court may impose a minimum $50 fine.Councilors are scheduled to discuss the proposal at their meeting tonight, which begins at 6:30 in council chambers at Augusta City Center.Councilors also are to:* review the new state law allowing fireworks and discuss local implications;* discuss parking on Drew Street;* discuss a constituent issue regarding paving Western Avenue between Smith Street and Edison Drive; and* hear a presentation from the Regional Recycling Committee, which was formed in 2010 to look for ways municipalities in the region can increase recycling and make it more efficient.The committee has been meeting regularly and was formed with a focus on recycling in the nine municipalities that send waste to Hatch Hill landfill in Augusta: Augusta, Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Pittston, Randolph and Whitefield.Among the proposals the committee is considering is a pay as you throw proposal in which residents would pay to dispose of their trash.Stokes encouraged anyone with questions about recycling to attend tonights meeting, or to tune in via local cable access television. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/partial_smoking_ban_on_tonight_s_agenda.html 2011-07-28 10:26:00 Just weeks after a similar ordinance was passed in South Portland, Old Orchard Beach is the latest town to consider banning smoking cigarettes on the beach.A group of high school students drafted the proposed ban, just like the ban in south portland. But unlike south portland, old orchard beach supports a large tourist-based business community, and those businesses are torn over the effect that a beach smoking cigarettes ban could have. Many business owners are especially concerned about the effect a smoking cigarettes ban would have on canadian tourism, which old orchard beach business owners heavily rely on.Its going to be very difficult from a business standpoint to explain to our Canadian friends that they cant have open air smoking cigarettes. Tony Lallis, General Manager of The Pier said. And quite honestly with the few Ive had the opportunity to talk to about it, the response is, Well thats fine, well just go someplace else. But others say tourists will continue to support Old Orchard Beach, regardless of whether they can light up.Ninety percent of my business is French Canadian, and I educate my customers about not littering on the beach, I provide them with a cup if they need that to put their cigarette butts, Sherri Tripp, owner of the Ocean Tripp Inn said. I do not see this affecting the tourism at all in Old Orchard, because if anything it will enhance it just like it did in the restaurant business years ago.The smoking cigarettes ban ordinance is only in the workshop stages. Town councilors say there will likely be another workshop to discuss the ordinance in early fall. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • CigarettesBox.Com Cigarettes News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/business_react_to_proposed_oob_smoking_ban.html 2011-07-27 10:25:00 Just two weeks before Delaware Countys comprehensive smoking cigarettes ban goes into effect, a legal challenge has been mounted.The Delaware County Licensed Beverage Association, American Legion Posts 19, 167 and 446, AmVets Post 12 and Low Bobs Tobacco this week filed suit against the Delaware County commissioners and the county health department, seeking to have the ban declared unconstitutional.A hearing is set for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Delaware Circuit Court 3 on the plaintiffs request for a temporary injunction.The ban was approved by the commissioners on June 6 and is set to go into effect on Aug. 11.Attorney Bruce Munson, who represents the plaintiffs in the case, told The Star Press that his clients believed the smoking cigarettes ban represented a violation of privacy and property rights.I believe there are essential limits on the governments power and my clients think the proposed ordinance goes beyond those limits, Munson said.In the suit, the attorney says several of his clients, along with their patrons and employees, will someday reside in a private room within a nursing home or similar facility.The terms of Delaware Countys comprehensive ban will prohibit each such person from smoking cigarettes in his or her personal residence, the suit alleges. The ban includes almost any public building in the county.Munson also said the ordinance is a constitutional violation of property rights for bar and tavern owners, who are covered in the new ban but were exempted in a 2006 ban on smoking cigarettes in restaurants and many other workplaces.The bar owner owns the air within the building, and we are saying the county is trying to claim a de facto public easement in the air, Munson said. Thats a taking of property and thats contemptible. If youre going to take somebodys property youve got to compensate them for it.Commissioner Larry Bledsoe said the lawsuit was somewhat unexpected.It kind of surprises me, considering other counties are going ahead with smoking cigarettes ordinances similar to what we passed, he said. I really think were within our rights to do what we did.The legal action was no shock to advocates.Its not surprising, said Cecilia Williams, program coordinator for the Tobacco-Free Coalition of Delaware County, the group that proposed the ban. Its unfortunate businesses feel they have to take this route. Its delaying the inevitable change thats going on with smoke-free policies all over the country and all over the world.The suit also alleges that based on economic studies and the experience of taverns under smoking cigarettes bans in other jurisdictions, members of the DCLBA can reasonably anticipate a downturn in revenues if the ordinance is upheld.Despite the legal challenge, local health officials are going ahead with plans to implement the smoking cigarettes ban.Businesses have received notification letters already, including ones named in the lawsuit, Williams said. Were wanting to work with businesses to overcome any obstacles with compliance. Hopefully they want to work with us and not try to cause any problems. This benefits the community as a whole and shouldnt cause strife.And next Wednesday -- the day after the court hearing -- a Muncie Action Plan and Tobacco-Free Coalition information meeting has been set for 2:30 p.m. at Maring-Hunt Public Library.The session will see discussion about the establishments affected by the ordinance, requirements for compliance and reporting of violations.Bledsoe said the countys attorneys would handle the legal challenge, adding, As far as Im concerned, were going full steam ahead with enforcement of the ordinance. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesPro.com Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/smoking_ban_going_to_court.html 2011-07-26 10:24:00 A Jacksonville jury ruled yesterday that Barbara Jewetts addiction to cigarettes online containing nicotine was the cause of her COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and Ms. Jewetts COPD was the cause of her death. The jury also rejected the cigarette makers affirmative defense that Ms. Jewett should have known before May 5, 1990, that she had COPD.In his phase 1 closing argument, attorney Jim Matthews, appearing in his first Engle-progeny trial, walked the jury through voluminous conflicting testimony as to whether Ms. Jewett knew or should have known that she had COPD before May 5, 1990 -- and therefore her claim would be barred by the statute of limitations. Mr. Matthews concluded that the defense evidence could largely be attributed to poor recollections, and that in order to believe the defense case, the jury would have to be convinced that Ms. Jewett had a condition so severe that she should have self-diagnosed, but then kept it a secret from her doctor and family for at least five years -- which probably isnt the case.During his closing on behalf of the plaintiff, Wilner Hartleys Woody Wilner argued that Ms. Jewetts addiction could be determined not only from the evidence that Ms. Jewett wanted to quit yet did not, but also from the evidence that the Tobacco industry had a the intent and ability to get her addicted, as shown by their own confidential documents, which included statements such as, High profits are...related tot he fact that the customer is dependent, and If the exit gate...should suddenly open, we could be out of business overnight, and A cigarette is the perfect type of pleasure...it leaves one unsatisfied...Let us..hope that they, our consumers, continue to remain uinsatisfied. All we we would want then is a larger bag to carry the money to the bank.On behalf of R.J. Reynolds, Peter Biersteker (Jones Day) reminded the jury that the defense did not need to prove that Ms. Jewett was diagnosed with COPD before May 5, 1990. Even if she was not diagnosed, the evidence showed that she both knew and should have known that she had COPD, including numerous statements by Ms. Jewett to her doctors nothing that she had had COPD since the 1980s, and Ms. Jewetts own statement in an interview televised by PBS. By 1995, doctors characterized her COPD as severe. This was not an isolated slip of the tongue, said Mr. Biersteker. There were ten different medical records from ten different medical professionals recording Ms. Jewetts patient history over a four year period [from 2001-2005].Representing Lorillard, Roger Geary (Shook Hardy Bacon) told the jury that whether Ms. Jewett was addicted depended on whether she was in control of her decisions, and, according to Mr. Geary, Ms. Jewett was in control of all aspects of her life, including smoking cigarettes. Ms. Jewett reduced her smoking cigarettes when she wanted to, and she smoked on and off. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes Online News    • Cheap Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/jewett_v__r_j__reynolds.html 2011-07-25 10:23:00 NCH Healthcare System in Collier County may soon join the growing ranks of U.S. hospital systems refusing to hire tobacco users, a policy that should help reduce insurance costs, the organization said this week.Such a policy would only apply to new hires; current employees who smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products would be allowed to keep their jobs, said Brian Settle, chief human relations officer for the organization.The hiring rule could take effect by this fall.Were in the middle of approvals and policy developments, Settle said. But I plan to move forward with it in the next 60 or 90 days unless there are some unforeseen circumstances.If adopted, the ban would essentially work like prohibitions on illegal drug use. Once applicants receive job offers, NCH would require urine tests to screen for nicotine in their systems, Settle said.NCH views the policy as the next logical extension of its smoking cigarettes cessation efforts, which are credited with cutting employee tobacco use from 20 percent to about 11 percent the last few years.Non-smokers employed by NCH pay about 20 percent less in insurance premiums than smokers, Settle said. The organization, as well as all other hospitals in Lee and Collier counties, banned tobacco use on their campuses in 2009.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates employees who smoke cigarettes cost companies more than $3,300 a year in lost productivity and health care expenses.Our employees are healthier than they were when we started this a couple of years ago, Settle said.He noted: Were seeing a bend in the upward trend in the cost of health care, which is great.Its legalThe hiring policy would be legal.Although 29 states and the District of Columbia have laws protecting employees from being punished for certain off-duty activities, such as smoking cigarettes, Florida does not.The state Supreme Court gave its blessing to such policies in 1995, when it rejected the claims of a job seeker suing North Miami over its tobacco ban.At the time, the ACLU of Florida argued the government had no right to regulate out-of-work activities that do not affect job performance.Obviously, we disagreed with the finding of the court, said ACLU of Florida spokesman Derek Newton, who was unaware of the possible NCH policy change. But it was the finding of the court.But, Newton said, private companies have much broader range than government institutions regarding employee rules.Critics of nicotine bans in the workplace also argue unemployment may be worse for a persons health. Instead, companies should hire qualified smokers and give them incentives to quit, they say.At an outside cafe table Friday in downtown Fort Myers, a group of coffee drinkers - some smokers, some not - marveled that employers would do more to restrict hiring.That, especially with unemployment so high, they said. Lee Countys unemployment rate is 11.6 percent; its 11.3 percent in Collier.Sharon Klemeks, a non-smoker, spoke for all of them: Its ridiculous. What do I care if they smoke cigarettes if theyre not doing it around me?No protectionSmoking does not fall under the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits hiring based on medical testing or physical impairment, said Chris Kuczynski, assistant legal counsel for the U.S. Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission.The EEOC has never taken the position that smoking cigarettes, the fact that someone smokes, would amount to a covered disability, Kuczynski said. Smoking, in and of itself, would not be an impairment.While no one tracks how many companies have hiring rules like the ones NCH is considering, reports show similar nicotine bans continue to pop up around the country.They include such large organizations as the Cleveland Clinic and Humana Inc., which have had similar hiring policies in place for the past few years.Sarasota County government stopped hiring smokers in 2008.Lee Memorial Health System, which employs more than 10,000 full- and part-time workers, does not bar smokers from working at its hospitals and clinics.But, like NCH, it has its own smoking cigarettes cessation programs for employees and prohibits any smoking cigarettes on system property.Such a change in hiring policy would have to eventually make its way to the systems elected board of directors for consideration, said system spokeswoman Mary Briggs. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • CigarettesHouse.Com Tobacco News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/tobacco_users_need_not_apply_at_nch.html 2011-07-24 10:23:00 Recent issues with smoking cigarettes at the parks and athletic field has upset a few people in town, so much so that Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services approached First Selectman Catherine Iino about banning smoking cigarettes there.Iino brought the matter to the town Park and Recreation Commission, where they discussed changing the park policies to incorporate a tobacco-free initiative. Iino suggested if the town were to move forward and decide to ban smoking cigarettes in parks, it should be included in one of the existing park ordinances.Parks and recreation officials discussed policing such a policy and posting signs or including notices in the kiosks at the parks. The group unanimously passed a motion to include a ban on smoking cigarettes at the town parks in an ordinance.Dan Colonia, chairman for Parks and Recreation Commission, said the group agreed with the matter for health and safety reasons as well as setting a good example to kids.We dont want to give that example to kids, he said. We want to give them a good example, and that would be no smoking cigarettes.But when Iino discussed the matter with selectman Fred Dudek and Richard Cabral at Monday nights Board of Selectman meeting, both disagreed with the ban.I feel like once again the government is stepping into peoples private lives and trying to regulate it, said Cabral, a reformed smoker.Cabral said he understands why some residents would want to ban smoking cigarettes, but he is against taking the rights of smokers away to appease non-smokers.Im in favor of this, but then again, Im not, he said.Cabral describes his stance on the issue as wobbling. He said there are two different reasons why hes stuck: one, he doesnt think that smokers should have the right to take away none-smokers privilege to not be exposed to smoke, and two, he doesnt feel that smokers should have to give up their rights.Dudek agreed with Cabral, and said he doesnt see how the town would police the ban.How would we enforce this? he asked.According to Iino, other towns that have implemented the no smoking cigarettes ban have said that the residents of the town informs the smoker that the area they are smoking cigarettes in is a non smoking cigarettes area. Dudek shook his head repeatedly saying that adults smoking cigarettes in the parks and at the fields are parents and grandparents.Is this going to be any different than them smoking cigarettes in their homes, in front of their kids? Dudek said. What, are we going to police homes pretty soon too?Dudek mentioned how public buildings and offices have designated areas outside for people to smoke cigarettes at he said parks are outside as well.I dont agree with this, Dudek said. Why doesnt the federal government just outlaw smoking cigarettes?The selectmen said Haddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services should think about doing a campaign or something of that nature to raise awareness about smoking cigarettes, but Dudek and Cabral both said they did not want to bring the issue to a town meeting. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cheap Cigarettes News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/plan_to_ban_smoking_rejected_in_killingworth.html 2011-07-23 10:21:00 After a 10-month-long pilot project, the Sunnyvale Public Library has made the ban on smoking cigarettes in the library plaza a permanent policy that will be part of the librarys rules and regulations beginning this month.On average, the library sees more than 2,200 patrons every day, but the library has received multiple complaints from visitors about smoking cigarettes.The state prohibits smoking cigarettes within 20 feet of main entrances, exits and operable windows. However, according to the city attorneys office, the library has the authority to ban smoking cigarettes on the larger plaza area as part of the librarys rules and regulations.In September 2010, the library prohibited smoking cigarettes on the plaza on a trial basis. Signs were posted on the plaza and ash cans were moved to the edges of the designated area. After the ban was introduced, several positive comments were voiced to staff, according to the city managers office.Since the library deemed the pilot project a success, it has made this a permanent policy and will continue the ban on smoking cigarettes in the plaza. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/sunnyvale_public_library_makes_smoking_ban_permanent.html 2011-07-22 15:46:00 The Westby City Council passed all its beer, liquor, wine, jukebox and cigarette licenses in June, but not without discussion as local law enforcement looks to the council for guidance as they deal with smoking cigarettes and alcohol issues in the city limits.In the state of Wisconsin the no smoking cigarettes ban in public buildings law went into effect on July 5, 2010, and since that time many people have kicked the habit, while businesses have diversified to accommodate their smoker cliental and yet remain in compliance with state and municipal laws.In doing so, many bars and restaurants in the area have constructed smoke cigarettes houses, either attached to or a short distance from the main establishment, where smokers can go to have a cigarette and escape inclement weather at the same time. Problems arise though when smoke cigarettes houses are not monitored closely and alcohol is transported between buildings or off premises on the way to the designated smoking cigarettes areas.Smoke houses have become a point of controversy for local governments as they struggle to allow businesses in their communities the right to thrive, yet struggle to stay compliant with already established municipal ordinances in regards to smoking cigarettes and alcohol consumption laws.Mayor Dan Jefson said the entire smoke cigarettes house issue is new territory for everyone and it will be a learning curve for years to come. The council will need to look carefully at its ordinances and deal with each case individually.The Westby Rod and Gun Club at 215 South Main Street in downtown Westby recently completed construction on its smoke cigarettes house located right next door to the business. The enclosed smoking cigarettes area was constructed on property already owned by the Rod and Gun, after they removed an existing building last fall to construct the new smoke cigarettes house.The smoke cigarettes house has four walls and a roof, but the upper half of the building is screened in without windows keeping it in compliance with the city ordinance. The two buildings are not attached structurally, but can be accessed by a connecting sidewalk on the back side and in-between the buildings. If the buildings were structurally attached the Rod and Gun would have had to meet state approved building plans, including making the bathrooms handicap accessible.Westby Police Chief Mitch Hundt approached the council for direction on how his department should handle issues of alcohol being carried from the bar into the smoke cigarettes house, which according to city ordinance is legal if a patron does not use the public sidewalk to gain entry. The smoke cigarettes house does not have a licensed bartender, although activities in the smoke cigarettes house are monitored by a video camera set up in the smoke cigarettes house and transmitted to a television screen in the bar.Hundt said it is tough for one bartender to monitor activities in two buildings and his department has been called to the smoke cigarettes house, which has become a congregation point for people who are given last call to leave the bar and end up in the smoke cigarettes house instead of leaving the premises.Its tough enough to throw people out once, let alone to throw them out a again from a second building, Hundt said.Councilman Dan Helgerson said the Rod and Gun is working within city ordinances and if they go astray they will need to pay the piper just like any other establishment. He said prior to now when a business applied for its alcohol beverage renewal license the city has never required a property description of where alcoholic beverages will be sold and stored on the premises .Jefson said that according to Westby City Attorney David Abt the city has been wrong in the past for not requesting a visual description, a process they are working to correct.The Rod and Guns property description had to be altered before it was approved by the city council in June. The original description included public sidewalks on Main and Second streets and if the council had approved the application as drawn transporting open alcohol beverages from the main Rod and Gun building to the smoke cigarettes house next door on those sidewalks would have been legal. That is no longer the case, although it is still legal to have alcohol on the sidewalk between the two back doors of the buildings.A city ordinance point system is used to monitor the status of any and all businesses that sells alcoholic beverages. If a business earns 200 points in conviction violations in any given year they will lose their license. The police department will be monitoring all situations carefully and any citations that result in convictions will work against the businesses involved.Hundt said his department has already had to deal with fights, smoking cigarettes and marijuana issues in the smoke cigarettes house since it opened and based on the city point system for holding a liquor license. Alderman Brad Mashak said the Rod and Gun is sticking its whole license out there if they continue to have issues with the smoke cigarettes house and citations turn into convictions.Point value is based on the violation:-- Sale of alcohol without license or permit; sale of controlled substance on licensed premises, 100 points;-- Sale of alcohol beverages to underage person, 50 points;-- Sale of alcohol to an intoxicated person, 50 points;-- Underage person on premises, 50 points;-- Intoxicated bartender; disorderly conduct on premises, 50 points;-- After hours consumption, 50 points;-- Refusal to allow police to search premises or refusal to cooperate with lawful police investigation, 50 points;-- License, agent or operator not on premises at all times, 25 points;-- Persons on premises after closing hours, 25 points;-- Violation of carry-out hours, 25 points;-- Leaving premises with an open alcoholic beverage, 25 points.Mayor Jefson said it doesnt take too many hits for a business to lose its license and without someone monitoring the situation in the smoke cigarettes house that could very likely be the case at the Rod and Gun.A bartender cant see between two walls so without changes this can quickly become a big deal, Jefson said.Helgerson said the bar has to be responsible for its own destiny. The Rod and Gun smoke cigarettes house set up is not the perfect situation, but he does not believe it has added to the problem. He said the neighbors have not complained, the building is not an eyesore and theres nothing wrong with a business trying to expand and accommodate its customers.The council approved all licenses with Lund providing the only nay vote and Councilman Ron Janzen was absent. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesPro.com Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/smoke_houses_push_the_fine_line.html 2011-07-20 15:45:00 More than a decade ago, Washington received millions as part of the national tobacco settlement. That moneys long gone.And now, in the budgetary scramble to cut, cut, cut, the state is cutting a big chunk out of the Quitline, a toll-free number people could call who wanted help to stop smoking cigarettes.If youre uninsured and not on Medicaid … there is no longer free help in this state, said Tim Church, a state Department of Health spokesman.Last year, the program attempted to help nearly 14,000 uninsured Washington residents quit smoking cigarettes.Although a toll-free number still exists, its mission has changed. It now only serves Medicaid patients and those whose health insurance plans pay to help people quit smoking cigarettes, through things like smoking cigarettes cessation classes or nicotine patches.In Snohomish County, limited resources are available.The Snohomish Health District, on request, can mail pamphlets with tips on how to stop smoking cigarettes. Providence Regional Medical Center Everett offers a regular series of four classes, but theres a charge of $35.And the Tulalip Tribes offer assistance to Snohomish County residents through a program headed by Nadiene Carter. To help as many people as possible, she said, she sometimes coaches people over the phone.The smoking cigarettes didnt start overnight, Carter said. You cant just stop. It takes preparation and work.In Washington state and Snohomish County, about 15 of every 100 adults smoke.A survey of Snohomish County students conducted last year found that 13.5 percent of 10th-grade students and 19.2 percent of 12th-graders had reported smoking cigarettes a cigarette in the past 30 days.The change in funding for the toll-free Quitline occurred on July 1, the start of the states new budget year.Previously, the state Department of Health paid for smoking cigarettes cessation help for the uninsured, Church said.State support for tobacco cessation programs date back to 1999, when Washington received its first payment from a national tobacco settlement of $100 million, Church said.That money was divided among tobacco prevention, education and cessation programs.However, in the early part of this decade, a cash-strapped Legislature chose to sell part of its right to future payments in exchange for up-front money needed to fill a budget gap, he said.Although the state continues to get money from the national tobacco settlement, it now goes to the general fund, not tobacco prevention.Its always a surprise to people, Church said.In addition, a tax on cigarettes online passed in 2001 initially had money set aside to combat smoking cigarettes and tobacco use. It brought in about $9 million a year, Church said.Eventually, budget issues forced the Legislature to put that money into filling the states general fund budget gaps, too, he said.That left little money for tobacco programs. Basically, the Legislature had to take action to fund the account or it would go down to zero, Church said.It didnt happen. The only proposal to fund tobacco programs was tied to a suggestion to establish cigar bars. A hefty licensing fee would have been used to fund the state Health Departments portion of the Quitline program.Nobody wanted to weaken our indoor tobacco smoking cigarettes law, Church said. So the funding went away.As of July 1, the toll-free number is being run with some money coming from the state Department of Social and Health Services to pay for Medicaid patients. Some money also comes from organizations whose health plans pay for the cost of tobacco cessation services.During the decade it received state Department of Health funding, the Quitline helped more than 160,000 state residents.We think it made a difference, Church said. Its been hard on all of us to have it go away. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/smoking_quitline_a_victim_of_cuts.html 2011-07-19 15:42:00 Salem City Council on Monday voted down an ordinance that would have banned smoking cigarettes in Salem parks but left the door open for revisitation.The councils decision rested on the difficulty of catching a smoker in the act and the ability to stop unwanted smoking cigarettes at large events.I remain concerned about the ability of our police to enforce this, Councilor Bob Cannon said after suggesting that the council form a subcommittee to delve even deeper into the issue.This is a way to get the people on council an opportunity to talk about it in an environment outside of council meetings, Cannon said.Councilor Diana Dickey, who introduced the proposal, said there was growing support for the ban on smoking cigarettes in Salems 82 parks, especially among young people.Dickey cited a recent poll that asked teen Facebook users to weigh in.A total of 543 votes were cast: 389 votes, 72 percent, were in favor of smoke-free parks; 50 votes were cast against restrictions, and 104 respondents said it didnt matter to them.The poll is not considered a scientific, statistically valid survey, but it might provide a snapshot of young peoples thoughts on the issue, Dickey said.Residents spoke on both sides of the issue during the public hearing Monday.Some, such as Tom Ferron, who volunteers at Minto-Brown Island Park, said there was no point to an ordinance that is impossible to enforce.If the dog-leash ordinance is not enforced, how can you expect to enforce this one? he said. I see this as an ordinance with writing and no teeth.Salem resident Darlene Strozut spoke in favor of the ordinance but admitted that it might not be the right time to make the decision.Breathing is not an option, she said. Smoking is. And even if this doesnt pass tonight, something will likely happen in the future.Paul Jaudes had a different take.Its another step down a slippery slope of further reductions of liberties that we have, he said. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cheap Cigarettes News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/salem_council_votes_not_to_ban_park_smoking.html 2011-07-18 13:22:00 Many other jurisdictions have already placed some restrictions on smokers outdoors, prohibiting smoking cigarettes on playgrounds or athletic fields or during major events.Howard was one of the first counties to introduce an indoor smoking cigarettes ban for every public place, excluding bars, in 1993; in 2007, it was one of the first to expand the ban to bars. The county had already prohibited smoking cigarettes near playgrounds, athletic fields and other gathering places.I applaud Ken Ulman, said Barry F. Williams, the Baltimore County parks director. He said Baltimore County could explore similar options in hopes of promoting better health.Williams said smoking cigarettes is not a major concern at Baltimore County parks: For the most part, people are considerate.But Williams added that using parks to promote better health while at the same time permitting smoking cigarettes sounds like an oxymoron.In Anne Arundel County, where smoking cigarettes is partially prohibited at ball fields and concerts, County Executive John R. Leopold said the county would consider a stricter outdoor ban, similar to Howards: If there is a need, I would be interested in expanding.Ulman acknowledged that Howard isnt the first to take on the issue, noting restrictions in other counties, but he said a partial ban wouldnt be as effective in promoting exercise and fitness activities at parks.Were trying to change the culture of the parks, said Dr. Peter L. Beilenson, the health officer for Howard County and the former Baltimore City health commissioner. He said people complied when indoor smoking cigarettes bans were introduced and that in the three years since the smoking cigarettes bans began at bars, the health department has received no complaints. After Wednesdays news conference, he said response to the ban has been mostly positive.But not everyone would like to see outdoor smoking cigarettes bans expand.Im hoping other counties do not follow that course of action, said Bruce C. Bereano, an Annapolis lawyer who is a registered lobbyist for the Maryland Association of Tobacco & Candy Distributors.Smoking is no one elses business. Its something thats legal and lawful, he said, adding that the ban unfairly presumes smokers are inconsiderate.Bereano mentioned another measure that the Maryland General Assembly has considered, which would prevent smoking cigarettes in cars carrying children.This is a democracy. Where do you go next? Bereano said. People who smoke cigarettes have rights. They need to have balance. To think otherwise is offensive. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cheap Cigarettes News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/other_maryland_counties_have_partial_bans_in_place.html 2011-07-17 13:21:00 Gov. Mark Dayton sent a letter to GOP leaders of the Legislature on Thursday offering to accept a proposal they made on the eve of the government shutdown — with several significant additions — in order to solve the $5 billion budget deficit.The offer includes a $700 million expansion of the states K-12 aid shift (which currently stands at $1.9 billion) and another $700 million in tobacco settlement money originally proposed by GOPers on June 30th to close the remaining $1.4 billion gap between the two parties. Dayton said he hopes the offer will end the state government shutdown, now the longest in the state and nations history.The proposal also attaches three new conditions from the governor: pass a $500 million bonding bill and remove a 15 percent state workforce cut and all social issues from their budget bills.Republican leaders are currently reviewing the offer, and will meet with the governor in his office at 2 p.m.Today is the 14th day of the state government shutdown, for which you, your Republican caucuses, and I are responsible, the governor wrote in the letter. During the past two weeks, I have been listening carefully to the people of Minnesota. They are telling me that, overwhelmingly, they want this budget dispute resolved. While they strongly prefer my proposed solution to that of the Republican Legislature, more than anything, they want this government shutdown to end. Now.Dayton noted reservations about using the tobacco and school money to close the gaps, as they are not permanent sources of new revenue. However, despite my reservations about your plan, I have concluded that continuing the state government shutdown would be even more destructive for too many Minnesotans, he wrote.If GOP leadership bites on the offer, Dayton said he would be willing to call a special session as soon as his commissioners sign off on the budget bills. He estimated that could be completed within three days.Four GOP Freshman legislators were cautious, but optimistic in response to the offer on Minnesota Public Radio this afternoon.We dont want to kick the can down the road, Republican Sen. Gretchen Hoffman said, adding that she is hopeful an agreement can get Minnesotans back to work now with more reforms to come in the future.Hoffmans Republican Senate colleague John Howe was also optimistic, but added: I dont think anybody here said we agreed to it, noting that he had concerns about the school shift and transferring burden onto the future. GOP Freshman Rep. King Banaian also expressed concerns about future debt, while his fellow Republican St. Cloud Rep. Steve Gottwalt told the St. Cloud Times that the offer made him very hopeful.Some reactions werent as rosy. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Dave Thompson, also a freshman, tweeted that the governor was merely attaching new items to their offer. Governor did NOT accept the June 30 offer. He has simply attached new conditions to the June 30 framework, Thompson tweeted.House Minority Leader Paul Thissen responded to the offer in a statement, calling the move a true act of statesmanship. He also warned the GOP majorities that the clock is ticking to accept the offer.By offering the Republicans their budget, Gov. Dayton is rising above politics, above partisanship, and making Minnesota his top priority. It is now up to the Republicans to end this costly and destructive government shutdown by accepting and immediately passing this offer, he wrote. The clock is ticking. The DFL plans to caucus this afternoon. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cheap Cigarettes News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/dayton_accepts_gop_pre_shutdown_budget_offer.html 2011-07-16 13:20:00 For Mark Mooney of Alexandria, alcohol and cigarettes online make a good environment for socializing.Mooney, a regular at Sharkeys Sports Bar & Grill in Alexandria, is among many smokers who think the Alexandria City Council shouldnt try to stop individuals from smoking cigarettes in city bars.A public meeting was held Thursday at Alexandria City Hall to discuss a proposal by the City Council that would expand the citys current smoking cigarettes ban of restaurants and most workplaces in the city to include bars and gaming establishments, such as bingo halls.In addition, all hotels would be required to be completely smoke-free, while smoking cigarettes would be banned at nursing homes and within 50 feet of all public buildings and facilities.Mooney said he knows that Sharkeys allows smoking cigarettes and it should be up to business owners to decide if they want to allow smoking cigarettes in their establishment.I have a 6-month-old and 4-year-old, and I dont smoke cigarettes around them. I dont smoke cigarettes in my home, Mooney said. One of the reasons I come here is because Sharkeys allows smoking cigarettes. The main people pushing for this smoking cigarettes ban in bars are the people that dont come to bars on a regular basis. What are (Alexandria officials) going to do next? Try to limit the number of drinks you can have in a bar?Ed Edwards sat in the Chalet Lounge in Alexandria with a beer and a cigarette, and observed, This is how you relax.The Pineville resident visits Chalet Lounge once a week and said eliminating smoking cigarettes from bars is a bad idea.If people dont want to be in a place like a bar that allows smoking cigarettes, then dont come. Its your right to choose not to come to an establishment that allows smoking cigarettes, Edwards said. I understand places like casinos, hospitals and schools not allowing smoking cigarettes. Government should stay out of how a man or woman wants to run their business, especially when its a legal business.Sissy Gunn said a lot of people are concerned with working conditions for employees.I knew there was smoking cigarettes in this establishment before I took a job as a bartender here, said Gunn, who was serving Edwards at the Chalet Lounge Thursday. Smoking and drinking go together in a bar. Thats how people relax.If you dont like the work conditions of a job, then dont accept the job. Period. said Tabitha Williams of Alexandria as she walked out of Sentry Drugs in downtown after eating a meal.Williams reached in her pocket for what she calls her dessert, a cigarette. She said Alexandria officials are going too far with the crusade to stop people from smoking cigarettes.I understand not smoking cigarettes in restaurants because of small children. I go to the Chalet Lounge sometimes to smoke, drink and have a good time with friends, she said. A bar or pool hall is a place for grown folks to do grown-up things. A lot of people say just go outside if you want to smoke cigarettes at a bar. What if the weather is bad outside? Im pretty sure nobody wants to stand outside in 105-degree heat or rain to smoke cigarettes a cigarette.A group of smokers at American Legion VFW Post 3 in Alexandria let out a loud laugh at the idea of Alexandria officials trying to eliminate smoking cigarettes in bars.Jo Stepp of Leesville was at Post 3 and said businesses will suffer if buy cigarettes are banned.Stepp is also manager of American Legion Post 145 in Leesville.I have employees that dont smoke cigarettes and some that do smoke. Ive had people tell me that they would not come to my business if they cant smoke, Stepp said. When people apply for a job, I tell them up front that the establishment is a smoking cigarettes environment. Nursing homes, hospitals and casinos not allowing people to smoke, I understand that. You let the owner of a business decide if they want to allow smoking cigarettes or not.Betty Roberts of Alexandria was also at Post 3 and said the Alexandria City Council has more important things to worry about besides cigarettes.Take a look at Alexandria: businesses are failing, people are losing jobs and people sit and wonder why young, educated college graduates dont stay in Alexandria, she said. Out of all the problems Alexandria has, the City Council wants to cry about people smoking cigarettes a cigarette in an adult establishment. The key words are adult and establishment. Let the owners of bars decide if they want to allow their customers to smoke cigarettes or not.Corey and Tabitha Smith sat in Finnegans Wake in downtown Alexandria. They said Finnegans would not be the same without smokers.The Boyce couple said they enjoy smoking cigarettes cheap cigarettes in Finnegans mellow environment.I just think the City Council is overstepping its boundaries with this smoking cigarettes issue, Tabitha Smith said. Youre basically telling a grown man or woman how to operate their business. If the council is giving these bar owners money on a monthly basis, then I can understand them having an opinion. No one is forcing people who dont smoke cigarettes to go into these establishments that allow smoking cigarettes.Corey Smith said he would continue to come to Finnegans if smoking cigarettes is not allowed.It would be hard to sit here and not have a cigarette, Corey Smith said. Next thing you know, the council is going to try to limit the amount of drinks you can have in a bar ... ridiculous!Back at Sharkeys, Mooney put a hand on the shoulder owner Clyde C.B. Bennett and said, Bar owners shouldnt be going through this.Bennett predicted he would lose business if customers cant smoke cigarettes in bars.Its going to hurt the economy of Alexandria more than the council realizes, he said. The people that said I dont go to bars because of cigarette smoke, I guarantee you will not come to bars on a regular basis if smoking cigarettes is prohibited. If my business gets bad, I will relocate outside the city limits of Alexandria.Mooney said its best to let the business owner decide.No one is forcing a person to come into a bar that allows smoking cigarettes, he said. At the end of the day, you are an adult and you decide if you want to be around cigarette smoke cigarettes or not. Dont try to control a legal business that is not committing a major crime. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/alexandria_smokers_upset_about_thought_of_smoking_ban_in_bars.html 2011-07-15 13:19:00 After decades of delay, New York has started collecting taxes on discount cigarette online and tobacco products sold by Indian-operated companies.Inspections at 357 retailers by state and federal law enforcement led to seizures of almost 20,000 cartons of discount cigarettes and nearly 25,000 cigars over the last three weeks. Officials say the products werent properly taxed.State officials valued the goods at $1.2 million.Enforcement will continue to include inspections of retailers and stopping vehicles carrying tobacco products.Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the tax enforcement on the huge Indian-run enterprises will generate $27 million in revenue for the state this fiscal year.State officials wont at this time try to tax online cigarettes manufactured by Indian-owned companies.Tribes argue treaties exempt them from taxation.But courts have sided with New York. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cheap Cigarettes News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/ny_s_long_delayed_collection_of_taxes_on_indian_cigarettes_begins.html 2011-07-14 13:17:00 A Cincinnati-area bar has become Ohios first establishment to lose its liquor license over the states smoking cigarettes ban.The Ohio Division of Liquor Control this week notified Pegs Pub in Evendale that its liquor permit was denied because of unpaid fines from the four-year-old law prohibiting smoking cigarettes in many indoor places. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the bar owed the state about $56,000 plus interest and additional costs as of July 8.An Ohio Department of Health database shows $1.7 million in smoking cigarettes fines are unpaid statewide. The laws enforcers tell the Enquirer that Pegs Pub was the first business denied a liquor permit because it was the only one with a permit up for renewal.Pegs Pub owner Lynn Pitzer said he planned to speak with attorneys and attorneys. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Cheap Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/first_ohio_bar_loses_license_over_smoking_ban_fines.html 2011-07-13 13:15:00 Bar owners who have unpaid smoking cigarettes fees might want to get those checkbooks out - or risk losing their liquor license.Four years after Ohios smoking cigarettes ban took effect, the state has taken its most drastic step to enforce it. And Pegs Pub in Evendale is the first to bear the brunt, taking the dubious title of being the first bar to have its liquor permit denied because of unpaid fines.Owners received notice this week from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control, stating the business has operated in a manner that demonstrates a disregard for the laws, regulations or local ordinances of this state.Since the smoking cigarettes ban took effect, the bar was issued one warning, and then fined 17 times. As of July 8, it still owed the state $55,900, plus additional costs and interest.It is not the only establishment on the overdue list. A database from the Ohio Department of Health shows the state has collected about 30 percent of its fines - Ohios violators still owing a total of $1.77 million.• Data Center: Search for reported smoking cigarettes ban violationsThe department has been meeting with the states attorney general and Liquor License Commission to examine businesses on the repeat offender list, spokesperson Jen House said.To go as far as denying a liquor permit - which has never been done before - the health department has to issue an affidavit to the Liquor Control Commission, which then decides whether its enough to deny a permit.There are two reasons why Pegs Pub was targeted, state officials said. It is one of the worst repeat violators, and it was the only one that had a permit up for renewal.The renewal period for the western third of the state, which includes Greater Cincinnati, is June 1. The next, which includes northeast Ohio, is Oct. 1.Pegs Pub was first on the list, and not the last. House said the three departments will continue looking over the list of top offenders and more affidavits are likely.Were going to continue working with them to pursue other establishments that havent paid their fines, said Matt Mullins, spokesperson for the Liquor License Commission.Pegs Pub owners now have 30 days to appeal the order. Meanwhile, its liquor permit is no longer valid, Mullins said.When asked if Pegs Pub was still serving alcohol, an employee who answered the phone said, No comment, and hung up.The owner of Pegs Pub, Lynn Pitzer, said he didnt want to comment because he planned to seek legal counsel and contact the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association for help.The treasurer of the association, Dick Allen, is in his own legal battle challenging the smoking cigarettes ban. His Columbus tavern, Zenos Victorian Village, has been fined $33,000 for violations.Allen claims the ban denies his property rights and the case is pending in the Ohio Supreme Court.Weve done everything the law has written. We posted signs and pulled the ash trays but they kept citing us when they saw someone in there smoking cigarettes, Allen said. They never once asked if the owner asked the customer not to smoke cigarettes and they never spent more than three minutes in that place.He hears plenty of complaints from the states 26,000 permit holders, he said, but this is the first time an owner has had a liquor license denied.This would definitely be challenged, he said. I dont feel - the way the law is written right now - that they can enforce the law the way theyre trying to.Of the businesses fined, 5 to 10 percent contest citations and go through an administrative review, House said. She wasnt sure how many then continued to appeal in court or how many were successful. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Cheap Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/pub_s_liquor_permit_denied_over_smoking_violations.html 2011-07-12 13:14:00 U.S. Army Private First Class Christopher Eric Wey was arrested and charged today, for attempting to carry an explosive device on a United Airlines flight from Yuma to Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 13th.During a standard Transportation Security Administration screening, the Yuma International Airport security officers detected existing explosives in Weys luggage. TSA personnel discovered one-half ounce of C4 explosives hidden inside a tobacco can. Wey was immediately detained for further investigation by special FBI agents.The investigation determined that Wey had stolen the C4 explosives during a recent explosive training course.Further prosecution will be handled by John Boyle, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona in Phoenix. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesBox.Com Cigarettes News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/feds_release_identity_of_service_man_caught_with_explosives_at_yuma_airport.html 2011-07-11 13:13:00 A new bill that would allow smoking cigarettes to continue in Navajo gaming facilities while prohibiting its use elsewhere is making its way to the Navajo Nation Council.The Smoke-Free Navajo Nation Act of 2011 would allow smoking cigarettes at casinos until the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise pays back the money it owes the tribe and the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority for casino construction loans and new infrastructure to serve them.Delaying the smoking cigarettes ban at casinos would protect the nations investment in the NNGE and Navajo casinos, according to the bill.Smoking would be permitted in private residences, in designated outdoor areas, in cultural or ceremonial activities, and for entertainment purposes such as a theatrical production that requires smoke cigarettes as part of the staging.As for casinos, smoking cigarettes would be allowed only in areas with slot machines and table games where not designated as nonsmoking cigarettes by the casino.Smoking would also be allowed on golf courses.The tribes Office of Environmental Health Code Enforcement and the Division of Public Safety would enforce the ban and issue citations. Any fines paid by violators would be collected by the Division of Health to fund tobacco education and prevention programs.The bill got a do pass recommendation from the Resources and Development Committee, the Law and Order Committee, the Health, Education and Human Services Committee, and the Naa Bikiyati Committee.The bill failed to get anywhere in the Budget and Finance Committee.Per Navajo law, the bill was posted June 16 on the Councils Web site for a five-day public comment period. One comment was submitted, a resolution in support of the legislation from the gaming enterprise board of directors.The resolution states that NNGE supports the bill because it would reduce smoking cigarettes in public venues and workplaces and phase out smoking cigarettes in Navajo gaming properties, at the discretion of the Council, while at the same time enabling the enterprise to repay its long-term debt.Elmer Begay (Dilkon/Greasewood Springs/Indian Wells/Teesto/White Cone) is sponsoring the smoking cigarettes bill and presented it July 7 to the Naa Bikiyati Committee.In testimony before the Council committees, gaming enterprise CEO Bob Winter spoke as if he were the author of the bill, saying, Our intension through this legislation is in fact at some point in time address the issue of smoking cigarettes inside the casinos whereby the enterprise will not object to a ban. But right now we are new and we are making an effort to build facilities that would employ Navajo people and a total smoking cigarettes ban will in effect stop that.A ban would make Navajo the only smoke-free casinos in Arizona, and he believes this would drive customers away.Recent efforts to persuade other Arizona casinos to join a ban were rejected, said Winter and Council Delegate Joshua Lavar Butler (To Nanees Diz). Butler said he met June 24 with the Arizona Indian Gaming Association discussed the issue.The overall response was no, said Butler, who was appointed by the Council in April to represent the Navajo Nation in AIGA.Current efforts to reduce secondhand smoke cigarettes exposure in Navajo gaming facilities arent doing the job, according to Katherine Benally (Chilchinbeto/Dennehotso/Kayenta), who remains strongly opposed to a partial smoking cigarettes ban.She said she has played the slot machines at Fire Rock Navajo Casino.I sat in the nonsmoking cigarettes side and the smoking cigarettes side - theres no difference, Benally said. Theyre both smoked filled.She asked the committee not to support the smoking cigarettes bill because it fails to protect the health of casino workers and because the Council has not heard from the Navajo Division of Health or IHS on the proposal.They value the money - that green thing - over the lives of our people, Benally said about the gaming enterprise.Currently, almost all the customers at Navajo casinos are Navajo, as are the employees.Then she proposed to Winter and the gaming enterprise staff to work in Fire Rocks gaming area.You subject yourself to that same conditions for a week then come back and tell me you love it, she said. If you are not willing to do it you shouldnt be asking someone else to do it.Benally is sponsoring a bill to prohibit smoking cigarettes in all public places, with no exceptions, but it has not been before any of the standing committees. Its public comment period ended July 11, according to information on the Councils Web site.Smoking is a personal choice, said Roscoe Smith (Crystal/Fort Defiance/Red Lake/Sawmill).I believe that its just one of the basic human rights in which an individual chooses to apply themselves to, Smith said.The government always tries to get involved in so much of the freedoms that the people have and restrict that, he said. Thats what I see here.For physician Patricia Nez Henderson, the issue is not personal choice but is the involuntary exposure to someone elses smoke.Henderson grew up in Teesto, Ariz., and understands the need for economic development and employment on Navajo but said it should not be done at the expense of peoples health.Being exposed to secondhand smoke cigarettes is not ke, she said.Henderson cited a 2006 U.S. Surgeon Generals report that said involuntary exposure to tobacco smoke cigarettes causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke.She also referenced a 2009 report by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health that assessed secondhand smoke cigarettes exposure among casino dealers in Las Vegas. Among the findings were that these dealers developed respiratory problems, she said. The report recommended banning smoking cigarettes at casinos.This is not the first effort to ban smoking cigarettes in public places on the reservation. The Navajo Nation Commercial Tobacco-Free Act of 2008 was passed by the Council but vetoed by then President Joe Shirley Jr. at the behest of the gaming enterprise.Were committed to the health of the people, we will not give up, Henderson said.As of press time Wednesday, it was not clear if the Smoke-Free Navajo Nation Act of 2011 would be on the agenda of the Councils summer session, set to begin Monday, July 18. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/casinos_not_included_in_smoking_ban_bill.html 2011-07-10 23:32:00 Effective July 1, 2011, Riverland Community College further restricted the use of tobacco on college property and became a Tobacco-free campus at all three of its locations in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna. The goal behind this new policy is not to punish smokers or tobacco users but to demonstrate Riverlands commitment to creating a healthy, clean and safe learning and working environment for all students and employees.At its March 2010 meeting, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees approved a resolution encouraging each college and university to consult with its employees and students about additional steps the institution should take to 1) educate employees and students about the danger of tobacco use to themselves and others; 2) provide information to employees and students about smoking cigarettes cessation resources available; and 3) further restrict tobacco use.Until July 1, Riverland prohibited smoking cigarettes within all college-owned buildings and state vehicles. Smoking was allowed outside on campus property only at designated locations.After consultation with Riverland employees and students via surveys, forums, student senate meetings, and a tobacco-free campus task force staffed with participants representing employee and student groups, the colleges administrative leadership approved implementing the new Tobacco use policy.This new policy specifies smoking cigarettes, tobacco use, and tobacco sales (including the use or sales of smokeless tobacco products) are prohibited on college-owned, operated, or leased property, including in college-owned, rented, or leased vehicles. Free distribution of tobacco products on campus or at college-sponsored events is also prohibited.The rationale for the policy is to facilitate a healthier, cleaner, and safer campus environment, which is consistent with Riverlands institutional principle of valuing people and conforms to the trustees resolution. The policy also aligns Riverlands actions with its commitment to wellness principles: healthier students and employees are better positioned to contribute to Riverlands and their own success.Riverland could make this substantive change because of the generous support of the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP), which will pay for signage at all three of Riverlands campuses. At a time when college financial resources are shrinking at alarming rates, SHIP has provided funding to allow Riverland to display signs that alert, inform, and educate anyone who comes to our college. SHIP is a wonderful innovation that is helping Minnesotans improve their health and reduce health-care costs.Special thanks goes to Ellen Kehr, Freeborn County SHIP Coordinator; Alice Englin, CPP, Freeborn County Family Services Collaborative & Freeborn County Partners In Prevention; Erin Simmons and Cherisa Templeton Broadwater, Program Managers, American Lung Association, MN, Clearway MN and the 4 Corners Partnership for all of their guidance and support. Ellen has been pivotal in obtaining funding for this initiative; Alice and Erin were especially helpful with administering the surveys during the early spring and providing information for policy development.In an effort to support Riverland students and employees who wish to reduce and/or quit using tobacco products, a variety of tobacco cessation resources and services will be available through Riverlands Student Services and Human Resources offices. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Best-Buy-Cigarettes.Com Tobacco News    • Discount Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/smoking_ban_highlights_health__safety_efforts.html 2011-07-09 23:31:00 A commission convened by former Vice President Walter Mondale and former Gov. Arne Carlson says Minnesota should raise cigarette, alcohol and income taxes to end a week-old government shutdown.The report released Thursday says a $5 billion deficit could be erased by cutting $3.6 billion in projected spending and raising $1.4 billion in taxes.Tax recommendations include a temporary, across-the-board income tax increase of 4 percent, a cigarette tax hike of $1.29 per pack, higher alcohol taxes and a human services surcharge.The panel was picked by Mondale, a Democrat, and Carlson, a Republican, to help break the stalemate between Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton and Republican lawmakers.Republicans are opposed to higher taxes. Dayton has pushed a plan he says would spare all but the highest earners from tax increases.Its not clear that the commissions recommendations will matter. GOP leaders were cool to the panel when Mondale and Carlson formed it earlier this week. Dayton issued a statement saying he disagreed with an across-the board tax increase, preferring instead an increase on only the states highest earners. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cheap Cigarettes News    • Cheap Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/carlson_urges_tax_hikes.html 2011-07-08 23:25:00 A tractor-trailer driver was charged with murder after his truck crashed into a horse-drawn buggy in southern Kentucky, killing an Amish toddler and injuring three members of her family, authorities said Saturday.Christian County Sheriffs Sgt. Ed Campbell told The Associated Press that 52-year-old Mark Bohms of Robinson, Ill., is also charged with operating a vehicle under the influence, three counts of assault and criminal mischief. No bond has been set, and it was unclear if Bohms had an attorney.Bohms reached down to grab a cigarette as he was cresting a hill Friday night just inside the Hopkinsville city limit, according to the police report.When he looked up, he was behind the buggy and attempted to shift lanes. But he hit the buggy, flattening it and knocking off its wheels.Three-year-old Barber Smoker was killed. Abram Smoker, 58, Susie Smoker, 57, and Katie Smoker, 15, were injured. Their exact relationships were unclear.The victims were taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where authorities said Abram and Susie were in stable condition and the girl was listed as critical.Police said one of the two horses pulling the buggy was killed in the accident. Sgt. Michael Felts of the Hopkinsville Police Department said the other horse apparently broke away and was discovered in a nearby field when authorities arrived.Felts said the place where the accident occurred is between two Amish communities and is considered a cut-through.He said he hasnt seen such a disaster involving the Amish community in his 10 years with the department. There are almost 8,000 Amish people in Kentucky, according to a 2010 estimate from Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania.We have had accidents in the past in that area, as far as where cars have clipped the horse and buggy, Felt said. But not this. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • CigarettesHouse.Com Tobacco News    • Cheap Cigarettes & Tobacco News    • CigarettesBox.Com Cigarettes News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/trucker_charged_with_murder_in_fatal_buggy_crash.html 2011-07-06 23:21:00 RSS Text Size Print Share ThisHome / news /Wboro treasurer confiscates 800 packs of cigarettes online for unpaid taxesPack taxWaynesboro treasurer Stephanie Beverage unloads cartons of discount cigarette online collected from local stores Thursday morning because of missing Waynesboro tax stamps.By Megan DavisPublished: July 08, 2011» 4 Comments | Post a CommentWaynesboro City Treasurer Stephanie Beverage confiscated about 800 packs of discount cigarettes Thursday from two local stores.The cigarettes store were relinquished from Sunoco, located at 1175 E. Main St., and BP, located at 2900 W. Main St., because they were not labeled with stamps showing the citys 20-cents-per-pack cigarette tax had been paid.Beverage said she investigated after receiving an anonymous tip that the online cigarettes were being sold without stamps.She said it is a retailers responsibility to make sure the taxes are paid.Now property of the city, the buy cigarette online will be sold at a public sale in about a week, Beverage said.Beverage said both convenience stores were repeat offenders.She said she previously seized cheap cigarettes from the Sunoco station in April and the BP station last fall. Other cigarettes news and tobacco market events you can find at links bellow:    • Cigarettes Online News    • Online Cigarettes Tobacco News    • CigarettesOn.Com Tobacco News http://www.online-cigarettes-shop.com/tobacco-news/w_boro_treasurer_confiscates_800_packs_of_cigarettes_for_unpaid_taxes.html