QuikTrip offers counter proposal over tobacco tax

One of the biggest opponents of a proposed tobacco tax may be calling off the battle, but there is a catch. <br><br>QuikTrip has been outspoken against Governor Brad Henry's proposal that would raise

Thursday, March 4th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

One of the biggest opponents of a proposed tobacco tax may be calling off the battle, but there is a catch.

QuikTrip has been outspoken against Governor Brad Henry's proposal that would raise the cost of cigarettes by 52 cents per pack, to fund health care. QuikTrip is now proposing a plan that would raise the tax even higher but give convenience stores a rebate.

Although tribal smoke shops are also facing the increase, convenience store owners are worried it will take away business that already faces competition from smoke shops. Delaware Tribal Chief Joe Brooks says the state has no business taxing tribal sales on sovereign land and a plan to give convenience stores a rebate is quote "ridiculous."

QuikTrip officials say if the state considers their counter-proposal, they'll stop fighting the tax.