Utah Tobacco Tax Hike Becomes Law

A $1-per-pack tax increase on cigarettes and new taxes on other tobacco products will go into effect in Utah on July 1, the Associated Press reported March 31.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert, who says he opposes new taxes, let the tax increase go into effect without his signature. The taxes were part of a budget plan developed jointly with the state legislature.

The package also includes raising the state’s cigar tax from 35 percent of the manufacturer’s sale price to 86 percent, and increasing the tax on moist snuff from 75 cents per ounce to $1.83.