Licensing Fees

Tobacco sales make up 20 to 60 percent of total sales for independently owned and franchised stores in the United States.1 Independently owned and franchised stores also receive incentives from tobacco companies for advertisements. Retailers are allowed to buy tobacco products from wholesalers at a discount in exchange for prime positioning of tobacco ads. Annually in the District, tobacco retailers pay $15 for a licensing fee and wholesalers pay $50. Mautner Project and SmokeLess LGBT DC believe that the licensing fee should be raised to $200 for retailers and $350 for wholesalers. The revenue that is created would allow the creation of culturally competent cessation groups and social media campaigns to promote cessation.

References:

1 Feighery E, Ribisi K, Achabal D and Tyebjee T. Retail Trade Incentives: How Tobacco Industry Practices Compare with those of Other Industries. American Journal of Public Health. 89(10): 1564-1566.

SmokeLess LGBT DC One Time Smoking Cessation Class!

Want more information about quitting smoking? Are you ready to quit but can’t commit to a 7-Week Course?

Mautner Project and the DC Center have the perfect opportunity for you. A one night only class! This class will give you the group session that you want and the quit materials that you need! Get connected with the DC Quit Line and come together with other smokers who can help you on your quit journey. For more information, contact Riana at 202.332.5536 or rbuford@mautnerproject.org.

The class will be held Monday, March 5, 2012 at 6:30 PM at the Mautner Project offices. 1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 710. Please contact Riana to RSVP!

Also, join your voice with ours! Sign up to be a member of SmokeLess LGBT DC and help in the fight against tobacco in the District! Go to http://smokeless.mautnerproject.org/ or email Riana with your name, email address, and state (if you live in the District, also send your ward number).