AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 10 Smokers in Texas are bracing themselves for a $1 tax increase per pack of cigarettes next month, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported.This latest move, which is the first tax increase in Texas on cigarettes since 1991, is expected to generate roughly $700 million a year for the next three years.Many tout the idea, saying it will persuade smokers to quit and help prevent young people from taking up the habit. But the Star-Telegram talked to the owner of a tobacco store in Austin who says he is worried about what the tax hike will do to his business.The American Cancer Society predicts the increase persuade about 143,300 adult Texans to kick the habit, while helping persuade roughly 284,000 younger Texans from ever lighting up in the first place.Copyright 2006 by UPI
