By JOHN McLOUGHLIN
COLONIE, N.Y. -- NEWS10 caught a couple of protests on Tuesday over tobacco taxes.
First, the New York Association of Convenience Stores joined forces with several state lawmakers to demand that Governor Paterson finally collect taxes on cigarettes that are sold on Native American reservations.
Merchants who do collect the taxes say the Native Americans have an unfair advantage, claiming that lots of "mom & pop" stores are going out of business.
Paterson promised earlier this year that he would get the sales tax that's owed the state, about $ 1 billion annually, according to lawmakers. But they say, so far, no action.
A couple of hours later, the New York Tobacconist Association said dozens of stores selling cigars and pipe tobacco will go out of business if lawmakers approve the governor's proposal to nearly double the excise tax on non-cigarette tobacco products, from 46 to 90 percent.
A cigar that costs $7 now would then cost $13.
"Think about it, a 90 percent tax," said Brad Gerstman of the association, "has anyone ever heard of such a thing?"
Jeff Blatnick of Ballston Lake, the gold medal wrestling champ from the 1984 Olympics, joined the protestors, saying he enjoys an occasional cigar, understands the health risks, but believes it is a personal choice.
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