Tobacco retailers and interested public are invited to a public meeting next week to learn about Pitkin County’s proposed new tobacco policy and tobacco tax.
“We’ve gotten the green light from Pitkin County Commissioners to pursue this policy and begin drafting ballot language for the November election,” said Pitkin County’s Public Health Director, Karen Koenemann. “First reading is August 28th and it is expected to pass. Before the issue goes before the BOCC for second and final reading we especially want retailers to understand how this new policy impacts them and we want the public to be aware of the potential for these policies to truly protect the health of the kids in our community,” Koenemann said.
Pitkin County’s proposed tobacco policy includes a $3.20 tax on cigarettes and a 40% tax on all other tobacco products, with the potential for annual increases. This will bring the local tax on tobacco into alignment with the City of Aspen.
The public informational meeting is set for Wednesday, July 31st from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Basalt Town Hall. Refreshments will be served. The meeting will be televised and streamed live at www.pitkincounty.com. Click on the “Watch Meetings” box on the homepage.