I've used New York and NYC as examples of a nanny state and stupidly high taxes before. Cigarette taxes are $4.35 (state), $1.50 (city) and $1.01 (federal) for a pack of smokes in NYC. The cost is so high that a large blackmarket has grown -- organized crime organizations including Islamists and Russian are two of the biggest players. Additionally, Indian reservations sell to those passing thru tax free, I've stated I did not wish to read of anyone killed over illegal cigarettes -- police or bootleggers. Well, its happened -- man was arrested for selling cigarettes for 75 cents a piece, During the struggle he died. An illegal chokehold may had been involved -- investigation is proceeding. No matter, one may is dead and the careers, if not liberties, of police and EMT personnel are in jeopardy,
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/er...ice-choke-hold-dies/
NY never received the expected revenue, but only half, of which half is spent on enforcement. This is why I oppose a $1 additional tax in Alabama. I would support raising the tax to $1. However, with smaller taxes in nearby states, bootlegging would become profitable.