NEW 65 CENT CIGARETTE TAX IN EFFECT

(06/02/2016)
Cigarettes are getting more expensive in West Virginia. The state's tobacco tax goes from 65 cents to $1.20 per pack this week.

The increase is projected to bring in about $100 million a year for the tight state budget.

WV residents on the KY border will likely drive there because the tax is only 60 cents a pack, although in a number of surrounding states it is higher, like Ohio's $1.60 tax per pack.

WV legislators have long held back on additional taxes for alcohol and nicotine.

The liquor lobby is among the nations most powerful.