MC, town face hit on cigarette

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is considering a ban on menthol cigarettes in the United States (U.S.), which could impact local cigarette tax revenues for Middlesex County and the Town of Urbanna.

“If the FDA bans menthol cigarettes, national, state and local jurisdictions will likely lose 35% of their tax revenues from taxes on cigarettes,” said Smith. Across the nation, cigarette taxes generated $11.6 billion in 2022, he said.

The United States Surgeon General’s report on smoking states that smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease, disability and death in the United States. When using menthol products, it creates a cooling sensation in the throat and airway, making the smoke feel less harsh and easier to inhale…