Gas stations expect impact from Philly’s new cigarette tax

The Pennsylvania Legislature has finally passed the cigarette tax intended to pump revenue into the cash-strapped Philadelphia School District. Beginning Oct. 1, a $2-per-pack tax will be added to the cost of cigarettes sold within the city limits. 

Already there’s speculation smokers will go to the suburbs and across state lines to buy cigarettes. Ross DiBono, executive director of the Pennsylvania Gasoline Retailers Association, and WHYY’s Dave Heller discussed the effect the new tax could have on gas stations that sell cigarettes.