Time’s up for tobacco retailers

The smoke hasn't quite cleared on the controversy surrounding the tobacco law.

Today is the deadline for businesses that want to sell tobacco products to register with the government. As part of the 2008 Tobacco Law, the government now requires all tobacco dealers on island to register and pay fees ranging from $500 to $5,000.

Tobacco retailers also must adhere to new government guidelines about the size of their displays and warning labels on the tobacco products they sell.

The law is designed to help regulate the industry and to help curb tobacco abuse on island. However, some in the industry say it will only hurt businesses and create demand for a black market in the Cayman Islands.