Tampabay.com
DECEMBER 16, 2008

Big Tobacco moves closer to tax hike

305_s_menthol_l_20_s_usa_2 Big Tobacco appears more ready than ever to accept a higher cigarette tax in Florida — but only in return for an extra fee on a rising competitor: Dosal Tobacco Corp.

The Opa Locka discount manufacturer has exploded into a statewide market force on the strength of its dirt-cheap "305's'' cigarettes. Dosal has undercut competitors largely because it doesn't have to pay settlement fees from the state's tobacco lawsuit over deceptive marketing and the cost of treating sick smokers. (story here)

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