Maryland Tobacco Bill Would Increase Taxes on Smokeless, 'Little Cigars'

A typical Monday at Francis Keller's smoke shop in Annapolis sees regular customers coming in, as they do on a daily basis, to have a smoke. However, a pending increase in tobacco taxes is threatening his livelihood.

Keller, who took over The Smoke Shop from his uncle in 1966, could see his business shut down if the Maryland General Assembly goes through with tax bills that include tobacco tax provisions.

Both the House and Senate version of the tax legislation would raise taxes on smokeless tobacco and so-called "little cigars." However, Keller worries that instead of bringing in tax dollars, it will drive customers away.

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