[SheLion]

The problem is not only the loss of tobacco sales but also the extras smokers buy.  "They buy everything here - a beer, a sandwich, a soda," said Mozeb, who estimates the store's total sales are down 25% for the month. 

The PRISSY NOSED ANTI-SMOKERS who want to ban smoking and raise the taxes to high heaven have no respect for anyone but themselves. They do NOT realize that smokers DO make up at least 30% of society!

It’s really sad that it has come to this, but if it wasn’t for the anti-smokers, the anti-smoking health coalitions and the anti-smoking LAWMAKERS, the stores and restaurants wouldn’t be IN this fix!!

[JoeSixPack1]

This attempt by Bloomy to change the entire sales structure of convience stores seems to be working.

Social engineering using taxation. Bloomy has one term to socialize as much of NYC as possible before the voters toss him on his arse. So "smoke 'em if ya got 'em" is being changed to "smoke 'em if you can afford 'em". And it doesn't seem like he's worried about losing a few thousand small business to the burbs. He'll be out of office long before the tax money runs out.