Local Shops Not Hurt by Flavored Cigarette Ban

New York's attempt to cut down on underage smoking has come into full effect September 24th. No more flavored cigarettes will be sold anywhere in the state. However, this hasn't hurt business in local areas, at least according to Magdi of Graby's Convience Store in Syracuse. Magdi says despite the fact he can no longer sell flavored cigarettes, either most of his customers aren't affected, or they will make a switch. "Most of the customers we have here are legal and buy regular cigarettes." Magdi said.

His most popular flavored cigarette, the Djarum Black, along with all the rest, were sent back to their manufacturers as soon as the ban took effect. But Magdi seems to think that anyone who bought flavored cigarettes in the past won't quit just because they can't get their favorite flavor anymore. They'll just make a switch. "The customer has a way of going around it" Magdi said.

His most interesting theory is that he believes the ban originated not from concerned politicians, but from the American cigarette giants such as Phillip Morris. Magdi believes that because of their lobbying power and political influence due to their sheer size and amount of money the company turns over, if their business is being hurt by a competitor such as a flavored cigarette company, they can simply get a ban passed to help them take down that competition.

Magdi believes cigarettes such as the Dutch Masters will be the next victims of the cigarette giants. He thinks they will end up being banned next.