Hartford – Tax Commissioner Gene Gavin today announced a new specifically directed partnership between the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) and the state Attorney General’s Office to defend the fiscal and physical health of the state from certain unscrupulous cigarette retailers.
Commissioner Gavin and Attorney General Richard Blumenthal will form a taskforce to address the issue of mail order and Internet tobacco sellers who violate state and federal tax and age restriction laws. The Commissioner has been in contact with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF) and the General Accounting Office (GAO) with respect to a federal law, the Jenkins Act, which regulates the interstate retail sale of cigarettes.
Commissioner Gavin said he contacted the ATF earlier this year regarding the Jenkins Act, which requires Internet and mail order cigarette retailers to provide information about customers to the tax administrator of each state where their product is sold. The ATF has expressed its willingness to fully cooperate with Connecticut efforts.
The lawmakers are LIVID because their high tax plan backfired. LOL!
So, how will the lawmakers enfore THIS? They can't. Just because it's a Free Gift?
There is so much money to be made, your favorite "net" source will move off shore. These, "cigarette brokers" operate electronically. Think of the money, think of the life style. Warm islands come to mind. I believe this little issue, could be a, "fish or cut bait" issue for our engorged, main lining, government. This is going to get good.