The cigarette tax has caused smokers to purchase cigarettes out of town, out of state or on the black market. The reduction in sales is a phantom.

If they bought those ciggies online, they have been sent bills for the taxes they owe. And while ciggies are cheaper in New Jersey or Connecticut they aren't exactly North Carolina cheap. Last time I looked, a carton was about $27.00 in Raleigh at Christmas. At a local bodega here in Brooklyn, I've seen them sell indidivual cigarettes to buyers, that was a first in my life ;)