Legislation that would let cities regulate smoking in public has prompted the tobacco industry to hire more lobbyists in Oklahoma in its effort to defeat the legislation. Big tobacco companies have hired a slew of influential Oklahoma lobbyists this year to help the industry defeat legislation that would let cities regulate smoking. There are at least 13 lobbyists for tobacco companies at the Capitol this year, up from nine at this time last yea ... Jump to full article >>

Smoke-Free Oklahoma and Tulsa restaurant owner Ken Selby held a Capitol press conference Monday to call for abolishing smoke rooms in restaurants and ending smoking in bars. Selby, the owner and operator of Mazzio’s and Oliveto restaurants, said his restaurants saw an increase in business when they went smoke-free a decade ago. “Several years ago and considerably before there were any regulatory laws against smoking in restaurants, I ... Jump to full article >>

Wholesalers claim millions are going uncollected due to fraud The Oklahoma Tax Commission is missing out on more than $1 million a month in tax collections by refusing to strongly enforce state tobacco tax laws, an Oklahoma City wholesaler has alleged. “Legitimate distributors are being forced out of business,” said tobacco wholesaler Alan Beck, who operates a wholesale business at 2305 S Agnew Ave. Beck said he has complained to Tax Co ... Jump to full article >>