AFTER BOOM, CIGAR STORE OWNERS FEAR BUST
Cigar store owners in the Granite State fear that anti-smoking
legislation could cause their businesses to go up in smoke.
Although smoke shops that don't serve food or alcohol are exempt
from the possible smoking ban, owners of the small businesses are
worried about the future impact.
"For years I couldn't be happier and now I'm scared," said Two
Guys Smoke Shop owner David Garofalo, who moved his business
from Boston to Salem 12 years ago when Massachusetts imposed
additional taxes on tobacco. "I have a problem being the
exemption. This bill is worse than it looks."
In February, state senators passed a ban on smoking in eating
and drinking establishments. The bill is scheduled to be heard
before the House commerce committee tomorrow.
