Tobacco Shop Clerk Robbed at Gunpoint, Walgreen's Burglarized

A Waukesha woman was just closing up shop a few minutes before 9 p.m. Monday at Tobacco Outlet Plus, 11712 W. North Ave., when a man wearing a black ski mask walked in, pointed a gun at her and said, “Give me all the money.”

She told police she went to the register and handed over the cash, and the left quickly on foot through the parking lot and out of sight. She locked the doors and called police.

The store clerk could not access the video surveillance system or contact her manager. She said the robber had been wearing plastic gloves, so detectives found no evidence to process in the store.

A neighbor reported hearing and seeing what he thought was the getaway car, which he described as a late ‘90s maroon Chevy Caprice. A detective found an empty cigarette box that appeared to have been freshly discarded where the neighbor had seen the getaway car.

Cigarettes taken in drug store burglary
A 3:09 a.m. Tuesday, Walgreen’s at 10800 W. Capitol Dr. was burglarized. Officers responding to an alarm found that a large window to the vestibule had been broken with a rock and another smaller window in the exit door had also been smashed with a rock.

Once an employee arrived with a key, officers entered and began looking for signs of theft. A large gap was noticed in the display of cigarette cartons, and two cartons were found lying on the floor. Nothing else appeared to have been taken or disturbed.

Video showed a man in a ski mask entering from the vestibule, going straight to the tobacco display and grabbing cartons and leaving within one minute. The manager said an inventory would be necessary but she estimated the loss at 12 to 15 cartons of cigarettes worth between about $870 and $1,100.

A resident who lives nearby heard glass breaking and looked out but saw nothing, then heard the sound again and that time saw a smaller SUV, possible a Lexus, leaving the alley west of the store in reverse and heading toward West Fiebrantz Avenue.

Medway campaign to stamp down on illegal tobacco

A MAJOR crackdwon on illegal tobacco being smoked on the streets of Medway is to be launched next month.

It comes amid mounting concerns of the impact of smuggled cigarettes - both in terms of falling into the hands of underage smokers - and in lost revenues both to traders legitimately selling tobacco, as well as the Exchequer.

The initiative - a partnership between NHS Medway, Medway Council, Department of Health, trading standards and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) – aims to reduce the supply and demand of illegal tobacco.

Medway public health officers will be in Gillingham High Street on Monday, September 5, to highlight the issue of illegal tobacco, talk to shoppers and visitors and raise awareness of illegal tobacco and the direct impact that it is having on them.

Medway Council’s portfolio holder for community safety. Cllr Mike O’Brien. said: “This initiative is about protecting our children. We want to stop children of 13 and even younger from becoming addicted to tobacco and hooked on smoking before they are old enough to make a properly informed choice of their own.

“Many people in Medway don’t view illegal tobacco as a problem, but the rise has seen a direct impact on health, crime and the economy and it can only be tackled if everyone plays their part.

“The cheap price of illegal tobacco makes it easier for children to smoke and it makes it harder for people who already smoke to stop.”

The amount of tobacco being smuggled into the UK - and demand for it - has risen in recent years as the Government hikes the tax of UK-bought cigarettes as part of a move to price the cancer-causers out of the range of youngsters, and to encourage more to quit the weed; a move designed to lessen the strain on the health service.

It comes at the same time as customs officials in the French ports revealed a record amount of seizures of alcohol - particularly whiskey and vodka - caught as it was attempted to be be smuggled into the UK.

Bank Mortgage Solution Rooted in Tobacco Settlement

With so many stakeholders in a potential mortgage settlement, it would take a big silver bullett to satisfy everyone.
According to Frank Mayer III, a partner in the Financial Services Practice Group of Pepper Hamilton LLP, in Philadelphia, the multibillion settlement between 46 states, the federal government and the tobacco industry in 1998 can serve as a model for a national settlement of several mortgage-related problems.
Under the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, participating tobacco manufacturers agreed to pay at least $206 billion, including nearly $196 million paid to the states over a 25-year period, and roughly $10 billion to various special funds set up as part of the agreement.

The agreement settled litigation against the tobacco industry brought by over 40 states, after the industry's decades-long argument that its products weren't harmful, was no longer tenable.

"The macro settlement is important for the country," says Mayer, who cited the tobacco settlement as a model, since there would be so many interested parties in any mortgage settlement.

Mortgage stakeholders include investors making putback claims against large mortgage lenders, including Bank of America (BAC_), JPMorgan Chase (JPM_), Wells Fargo (WFC_), and Citigroup (C_); federal and state regulators who have taken action on mortgage servicing and foreclosures; and local county governments that "have lost millions and millions from lost recording fees, every time a mortgage is assigned through a securitization process," according to Mayer.

Just considering the thousands of counties that may have lost document recording revenue when mortgages were assigned by lenders -- with borrowers agreeing when they signed loan documents -- to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, or MERS, shows how complicated a potential settlement will be.

Bengal tax proposal may seek VAT hike on tobacco, spirits

The state’s finance minister Amit Mitra is expected to make the announcement on Monday, when he presents the tax proposals for the current fiscal in the legislative assembly, according to government officials who declined to be named.

Mitra is expected to put cigarette along with other variants of consumable tobacco, such as gutkha and paan masala, under the so-called schedule D of VAT brackets, or the highest one of 30%. This is the first time any product is being put under schedule D.

Besides West Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir and Tamil Nadu have lately raised VAT on cigarettes. In these states, cigarettes attract VAT of 20-40%, while in other states, the tax is pegged at 12.5%-15%.

Alongside, West Bengal is likely to raise the excise duty on alcoholic beverages—or Indian made foreign liquor in the tax department’s parlance—to 50% from 37%.

Mitra refused to comment on his tax proposals until they were presented in the state assembly.

His statement of accounts presented to the state’s lawmakers on 11 August showed he was expecting sales tax collections in fiscal 2012 to go up by about 28.2% from the previous year’s revised estimate to Rs.17,024 crore. Alongside, excise duty in the current year could go up by 33.4% to Rs.2,418 crore, Mitra had said in his budget estimates.

The state’s own tax revenues are expected to rise 23% from fiscal 2011’s revised estimate to Rs.27,690 crore, with significant increases coming from tax on motor vehicles, stamp duty and registration fees. However, these are unlikely to be raised, said the state government officials cited above.

The country’s biggest cigarette manufacturer ITC Ltd has always maintained differential tax structures across states “encourages unscrupulous tax arbitrage” and leads to “large-scale smuggling”. ITC refused to comment on Mitra’s yet-to-be presented tax proposals.

The sharp increase in VAT on cigarettes may not in the long-run generate more revenues for West Bengal, but it will “surely destroy the legitimate distribution channel”, said the proprietor of a leading distributor of cigarettes in Kolkata. He spoke on condition on anonymity. “This has happened in every state that has raised VAT on cigarettes to 20% or more,” he added. “Such disruptive tax increases only benefit inter-state smugglers.”

While raising VAT on tobacco and spirits, Mitra is expected to announce tax cuts on goods used by physically challenged persons, costume jewellery and some dress materials, according to state government officials.

Cigarette Companies Spend Less on Advertising, More Money on Smokeless Products

Cigarette companies are spending less money on advertising, as more resources are now being allocated to the promotion of smokeless tobacco products, according to the Associated Press. The data is based on a report released by the Federal Trade Commission this week.

The report shows that tobacco companies spent 34 percent less money on advertising for cigarettes between 2003 and 2008. Cigarette purchases also decreased by 11 percent during this time frame. According to the Associated Press, 2008 contains the latest data in terms of marketing efforts and tobacco companies.

While cigarette ads have decreased, tobacco companies have increased their marketing efforts for smokeless products. The Associated Press reports that the money spent for advertising these products doubled to $547.9 million between 2003 and 2008. At the same time, usage has increased by 11 percent.

The reduced amount of advertising for cigarettes is thought to directly relate to a decrease in smokers nation-wide. The Associated Press reports that the amount of smokers decreased by 20 percent between 1970 and 2004. In the last seven years, the decrease in smokers has stalled. There are theories that a lack of funding for cessation programs have contributed to the stall in rate.

Refused a cigarette, man blasts shotgun

A 22-year-old man is charged, accused of firing a sawed-off shotgun after two Winnipeg restaurant employees declined to sell him a cigarette.

The two victims, including a 17-year-old who was waiting for a ride home at the end of his shift, were outside an Applebee's about 12:20 a.m. Thursday when the man came up and asked for a smoke. When they said no, the man offered to buy one instead.

The victims said they had no cigarettes to spare, police said, and that's when the man pulled the sawed-off shotgun out of his waistband. Fearing for their safety, the pair ran into the restaurant while the suspect stayed outside and fired at least one shot.

"He described the victims in this case as being racist," Const. Jason Michalyshen said.

No one was hurt.

Officers in the area heard the shot and rushed to the restaurant. Police found the a nearby, still carrying the gun, police said.

Police arrested the suspect and seized the firearm along with a duffel bag containing ammunition and beer.

Clifford Elliot Anderson, 22, is charged with numerous firearm offences, including two counts of robbery with a firearm and two counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.

There is evidence the man "may have consumed alcohol" before the shooting, Michalyshen said.

A restaurant manager politely declined comment.

"Everyone's fine but I can't comment on anything," she said.

Four arrested after cigarette find at Exeter Airport

Border Agency officers discovered the cigarettes as the British woman disembarked on Wednesday.

The matter was referred to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to investigate.

Three other people who were arrested at the same time as the woman were released on bail.

Potential Missouri Cigarette Tax Causes Controversy

With almost 30 percent of GOP state legislators signed onto Grover Norquist's No-Taxes Pledge, and the other 70 percent of the majority party with them in spirit, prospects are dim for any new revenue in cash-strapped Missouri.

Residents, who've suffered from program cuts and employee layoffs in the state, might want to jump at the chance to sign petitions to put a $1 cigarette tax on the ballot in 2012 to meet needs in education, health care, programs for the unemployed, for state highways and more.

"Unfortunately, this measure for the ballot to raise new revenue is just a ruse," contended state Rep. Jeanne Kirkton, D-Webster Groves. "State residents need to think twice before signing petitions to get it on the ballot. It's not what it seems."

Kirkton, as well as some state legislators in the Republican Party, come close to calling it a hoax. That is because the measure will only put the $1 tax on cheap, off-brand smokes. Not surprisingly, the world's big four tobacco manufacturers are solidly behind it.

Brown and Williamson, Lorillard, Phillip Morris and R.J. Reynolds stand to benefit big time, if voters can be persuaded to put it on the ballot and then pass it. Critics say the measure is a cruel fraud because it misleads people into thinking it will prompt some smokers to kick the habit, while providing sorely needed revenue for Missouri.

"We have so many legislators in Missouri who've signed the Norquist pledge to never raise taxes - no matter what," said Kirkton. "They can't address state needs and they've painted themselves into a corner. So, I can see why the people would want to try to help themselves through the ballot.

"But this proposal will not help us, because the revenue from off-brand cigarette sales would be minimal," said Kirkton. "We might as well start having bake sales for revenue in the state of Missouri."

Kirkton said the measure will put the big cigarette brands on an even keel with the cheaper brands that low-income smokers prefer. However, Missouri will gain little revenue and continue to list in the choppy waters of tough economic times.

"It is really a shame," said Amy Blouin of Missouri Budget Project. "Now, Missouri has passed up the cigarette manufacturing states and has the lowest tax on cigarettes of all 50 states. It is shameful to think that we've edged everybody out for dead last place.

"You would think our legislators would say it's time to find revenue to help with all the disaster - floods, and tornadoes," said Blouin. "And now we have petitions to put this misleading measure on the ballot that does nothing to really address all the problems facing Missourians."

Blouin said she can understand why residents would sign the election petitions. However, the $1 tax hike on only the generic packs of smokes will simply put them on a par with "the big guys," on price - and will not aid tobacco education or cessation programs.

Boulder's Cigarette Store Corp. building new headquarters

The Cigarette Store Corp. -- the Boulder-based operator of retail brands such as Smoker Friendly and Gasomat -- recently acquired a plot of land in Gunbarrel where it plans build a new headquarters facility, brokers close to the deal announced Friday.

The privately held Cigarette Store Corp., through its real estate holding company of KTDoubleMD LLC, bought a 2.21-acre parcel in the Gunbarrel Technical Center, 6790 Winchester Circle, for $395,000, said Scot Smith, a founder and principal of Boulder-based The Colorado Group Inc., who represented The Cigarette Store Corp. in the transaction.

Jason Kruse, a Colorado Group broker, served as the leasing agent on the vacant property, which was sold by Syngenta Flowers, formerly Fischer U.S.A.

Cigarette Store officials hope to break ground by October on the property, where they plan to erect a 20,000-square-foot office and warehouse building, said Terry Gallagher, the local firm's chief executive officer.

"We really felt that the marketplace was ripe to buy a piece of ground at this point, and it's a good time to build," Gallagher said. "There are people out there who are hungry to do some work."

The company had reached the end of its five-year lease at 5303 Spine Road and was running out on warehouse space, so the family-run company decided to take a gander around its hometown of nearly 30 years for potential locations, he said.

"We wanted to stay based in Boulder because our roots are here," he said.

Gallagher said his family had been in the Boulder area since the late 1800s.

The custom-built building also will allow the burgeoning company to fill out its warehouse and office needs, he added. The Cigarette Store Corp. -- through its brands of Smoker Friendly, Gasomat and the Cigarette Store -- has posted some of its best numbers during the past three years, he said.

"When the economy goes south, vices seem to pick up," he said. "It's a small luxury item ... a lot folks think, 'Maybe I can't go out to dinner, but I can buy a pack of cigarettes or a nice cigar.'"

About 35 people work at The Cigarette Store Corp.'s current 12,000-square-foot office. The firm has 425 employees companywide working at its Boulder headquarters and in its retail stores across the country.

French town makes beach smoke free

At holiday time in Provence, there is sun, sea and just for a change – no smoke.

In the small town of La Ciotat, beachcombers have to stub out their cigarettes before slapping on the sunscreen and soaking up the rays.

It is believed to be France’s first no-smoking beach but it is families who appreciate the initiative more than most.

Mother of two Vanessa said: “As a smoker, I would say that it is not a bad idea, because it stops children from grabbing cigarette butts and putting them in their mouths.”

Holidaymaker Cyril was less supportive of the ban.

“ I don’t mind people who are smoking here because we are in an open space. It must be hard for them to be segregated as they come here to enjoy the beach.”

A recent poll found that three-quarters of those asked liked the idea of a beach-smoking-ban while those who need their nicotine fix can always be encouraged to go elsewhere.

Plain packs will cause shortage, says big tobacco

GIANT cigarette maker British American Tobacco says the federal government's plain-packaging timetable is ''basically impossible'' and will cause a national tobacco shortage.
David Crow, managing director of BAT's wholly owned Australian subsidiary, told a federal parliamentary inquiry the vacuum would be filled by Indonesian and Chinese makers, who would flood the market with illicit cigarettes.
But the anti-smoking lobby said the industry had had two years' notice and was bluffing.
Advertisement: Story continues below
As for the threat of a tobacco shortage, Quit executive director Fiona Sharkie declared: ''You're not going to hear me say I'm sorry about that.''
Legislation introduced last month seeks to force cigarette makers to use only plain packs from May 20 next year. The retail deadline is six weeks later with shops not allowed to sell branded cigarettes after July 1.
According to Mr Crow, the legislation is ''unfair and unworkable''. He said the tobacco industry needed ''12 months for manufacturing change(s) and probably a six-month minimum retail flush through'' to sell remaining stock of branded cigarettes before it could be ready to introduce the plain packs. He said he would be out of stock on July 1. ''Philip Morris, I would imagine, will probably be the same,'' he said.
British American Tobacco and Phillip Morris supply 80 per cent of the Australian market.
Mr Crow told the hearing his company would not ''break the law to supply the market''.
''So the industry goes out of stock. The only person who stocks the industry is a bunch of guys out of Indonesia and out of China who currently stock 16 per cent and they'll flood the market with cheap cigarettes,'' he said, referring to illegal tobacco sales.
One of the unintended consequences would be ''a dramatic increase in illicit trade.''
The national tobacco control program, Quit, has attacked the claim. Ms Sharkie said the suggestion that packaging could not be changed in less than 18 months was ''another furphy''.
''They seem to be able to do it when it suits their sales purposes,'' she said, pointing to the release of promotional and limited-edition packs in the past. She argues the government's announcement in April last year gave the tobacco industry ''over two years' notice.''
Mr Crow also used the Canberra hearing to plead for the government ''to sit down and have a proper conversation [which] we haven't had.''
''I keep asking. I wrote to the minister again on Monday or Tuesday asking for half an hour before this committee to have a chat - no response, and it's getting frustrating because it's just practical issues we need to get on to.''
A spokeswoman for Health Minister Nicola Roxon conceded: ''The minister has not met with the industry,'' but added, ''They have made their position on plain packaging very clear.''
''The Department of Health and Ageing has had extensive consultation with the tobacco industry,'' she said.