Last night, the Ohio Senate Finance Committee passed an over 4,000-page version of the proposed two-year $71.3 billion operating budget, which would change the price of cigars in the state. Included in that version is an additional 5.5 percent tax on cigars, which would be 22.5 percent of the wholesale price instead of the current 17 percent. A 50-cent per cigar cap was included for premium cigars, which would mean the proposed changes would likely not raise prices on cigars with a suggested retail price over $4.50. Most cigars would likely see a decrease in the price at the counter. A cigar with a suggested retail price of $9.50 likely retails for around $11.64 currently in Ohio, it would be closer to $11.12 after the tax change. The change would only apply to “premium cigars” those which weigh more than 6 pounds per 1,000. The Ohio Senate passed the budget on Thursday. Despite this, the overall taxes to other tobacco products could change. An official at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association told halfwheel that the organization expects the Ohio House of Representatives to be more favorable to defining what is a “premium cigar” and on any change to other ...
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