A bill in the New Hampshire legislature seeking to redefine the term tobacco products could end up requiring tobacco retailers in the state to get a new license in order to keep doing business. HB 1159, introduced by Rep. John Hunt (R-11), seeks to add cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, pipe tobacco, smokeless cigarettes and “any product containing tobacco” to the definition of tobacco products. Previously, it had just applied to cigarettes and loose tobacco. While no retailer would likely be in favor of having to pay a new fee in order to keep doing business, it appears this one will be relatively low. The state’s website lists the annual fee for a retail tobacco license to be just six dollars. Additionally, there is no fee to apply for a retail tobacco license, whereas most other licenses have a $100 application fee. Should it pass, the new requirement would take effect 60 days following enactment. The bill was most recently assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee.
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