Vt. stores selling more cigarettes to NY residents  ADDISON, Vt.
— Vermont store owners near the border with New York state say
they’re selling more cigarettes to Empire State residents
seeking to avoid that state’s higher tobacco tax.  Dana Franklin
of the West Addison General Store says sales have gone up since
July 1, when New York increased its cigarette tax by $1.60 per
pack.  People who buy cigarettes in New York now pay $4.35 a
pack in taxes. In Vermont the tax is $2.24.  Franklin tells the
Burlington Free Press cigarette sales also increased several
years ago after New York increased its tax, but they later fell
back after Vermont’s tax increased.  And convenience stores
operators in border towns say they also benefit from increased
gasoline sales because gas is less expensive in Vermont than New
York.  Share Selection