Home Politics America PA’s vape tax threatening to close down hundreds of local businesses

PA’s vape tax threatening to close down hundreds of local businesses

The harsh 40% tax on vaping products in Pennsylvania is bringing in millions in revenue to the state, whilst threatening the demise of hundreds of local businesses.

Diane Caruana

September 8, 2017

The PA vape tax has brought in $13.7 million in revenue, but over 100 of the state’s 400 vape shops have closed.

According to the Department of Revenue, since the PA vape tax has come into effect, which is almost a year, it has brought in $13.7 million. On the other side of the coin, over 100 of the state’s 400 vape shops have closed, says the Vapor Technology Association.

The businesses that remain open are struggling, and the consumers that remain loyal to the safer alternatives are forced to pay more for their preferred smoking cessation devices.

A bill that could save the day

Earlier this year SB 508, a bill that would have changed the state’s extreme 40% tax to a more reasonable one was proposed by Senator Camera Bartolotta. Rep. Jeff Wheeland together with Bartolotta had pointed out that the state was going to face serious consequences due the vape shop closures.

Local vape shop owners had approved this bill and considered it a significant step in the right direction. “We prefer no tax, but we can work with this one,” said Ace of Vapes owner Brandon Mueller at the time.

“There’s really no conversation taking place. The silence is killing us.” Amelia Rivera, Pennsylvania Vape Association

However, nothing much was done about this bill or any of the others proposed. “There’s really no conversation taking place. The silence is killing us,” said Amelia Rivera, who runs the Pennsylvania Vape Association and also co-owns a vape shop. She pointed out that the tax has cut their income by more than half.

Read Further : The Inquirer