News in the World of Smokes

It’s been a while, guys and gals, but it’s time to break the silence!

If you haven’t tuned into the Wisconsin news lately, there are a few dark clouds brewing over the smoking industry:  our wonderful Gov. Doyle has brandished both guns, proposing a state wide smoking ban, and murder by tobacco taxes.  Apparently, the enjoyment of our legal tobacco habits has been deemed unacceptable, and our big brother has decided to put us in the corner:  the smoking ban proposal prohibits smoking in all public places:  bars, restaurants, hotels, and as it stands currently, even us smoking folks here at Uhle’s.  Despite the existence of non-smoking establishments across the state, those of us smokers who enjoy congregating at our favorite stools or pool tables are being ousted to the not-so-always-friendly outdoors, 20 feet from any public entrance.  Doyle is threatening to take the pleasure of a relaxing smoke out of our bowling tournaments, our scotches and wine, and our socializing altogether.

As if forcing smokers into second class citizenship weren’t enough, the Governor has also decided he wants to take more of our money because of our pasttime.  Not only are cigarettes to recieve up to a buck-twenty tax addition to the present day cost, but he has piggybacked other tobacco products tax (OTP) to the bill.  Those of us who enjoy pipe tobacco, cigars, chewing tobacco, rolling tobacco, snuff, and all other non-cigarette tobaccos already pay a 25% tax for our “habit”.  Snuck under the cigarette tax, the OTP tax increase would skyrocket our tax to 65.6%!  We will sadly watch all of our fine tobacco products incur a 40% price increase!

 Needless to say, folks, we are not taking these attacks sitting down.  Uhle’s is in cahoots with Americans for Prosperity, sending in petitions and letters of antagonism to every government official responsible for the future of the proposals.  Click on the button below to make your voice heard!

We are also in the process of planning a “Smokers Walk”; with a good sense of humor, of course, we plan on a brisk five-six block walk.  Keep an eye out for updates.

Smoke away, while you still can!

Misty

“ It has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain when awake. ”

 ~Mark Twain