Add Kentucky to the list of states with legislatures that will have to deal with a proposed tobacco tax increase, as three state representatives have introduced a bill that would raise the tax on other tobacco products from 15 to 18 percent of the wholesale price.

Reps. David Watkins, D-11; Mary Lou Marzian, D-34; and Tom Burch, D-30, have introduced HB 247, which seeks to increase a number of aspects of the state’s tobacco tax structure. Premium cigars and other tobacco products (OTP) would see an increase from 15 to 18 percent, meaning that a cigar with an MSRP of $9.50 and that currently costs $10.93 would jump to $11.21.

Additionally, a floor tax of 5 percent on the actual amount paid would be levied on all premium cigars in stock as of July 31, 2016.

The bill also seeks an increase of 50 cents per pack on cigarettes, which would raise it to $1.06, as well as increases in chewing tobacco, snuff and other tobacco products. A floor tax would also be levied on cigarettes and other tobacco products.

If approved, the tax increase would go into effect on Aug. 1, 2016. Following its introduction, it was referred to the House Appropriations & Revenue Committee.

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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.