The owner of Met Food pointed to the cigarette shelf above the cash register and sighed. Because of the new city cigarette tax ($1.25) that went into effect on Tuesday, she’s selling packs for more than $9.

I think she said $9.50.

I didn’t know what to say. I despise cigarettes and am glad that they’re so expensive to prevent people from buying them.

But I didn’t know what to say to my friend at Met Food. Will this mean a drop in sales? Is this bad for her shop? I’m not sure but she did seem vexed.

I just smiled. I figured it was better not to say anything.