PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. -- Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin Inc. is handing out coupons to counter the January 1 increase in the state cigarette tax, according to a report by WISC-TV.
As part of a marketing promotion, Open Pantry convenience stores in Wisconsin are handing out "Doyle Dollars" to smokers to help offset the $1 per pack tax hike.
Governor Jim Doyle pushed for the cigarette tax increase in the budget.
The promotion, which is good for $1 off any two packs of cigarettes, began last Tuesday [image-nocss] and runs through January 31, said the report.
Open Pantry senior vice president Jim Fiene told the newspaper that he has been surprised by the number of customers who did not realize the tax hike was taking effect. He said the company was already selling its cigarettes above the required minimum markup price, so the promotion is not affected by the statute.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.