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Madison, Wisconsin (AP) — Cigarette sales in Wisconsin have plummeted over the past two decades due to tax increases and smoking bans, according to a report released Wednesday.
The number of cigarette packs purchased in the state has fallen from 420 million in 2001 to just under 193 million in 2022, according to a report by the Wisconsin State Policy Forum. Cigarette sales per capita went from nearly 78 packs in 2001 to over 32 packs in 2022.
In the meantime, statewide smoke bans have been enforced, tobacco tax rates have tripled, and alternative products such as vaping have increased, the report notes. A statewide smoking ban, including in bars and restaurants, went into effect in 2011. State taxes were raised in 2002, 2008 and 2009, and federal taxes were also raised in 2002 and 2009.
That report details only cigarettes purchased legally. Wisconsin has high taxes, pointing out that some smokers may smuggle cigarettes illegally or buy them legally in other states with lower taxes.
Wisconsin’s current tax on a pack of cigarettes is $2.52, higher than the media’s $1.78 and 16th highest tax.
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