"No Singles/No Loosies" is a new campaign aimed to increase awareness of the illegal sale of single cigarettes in Milwaukee.
The Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network is launching the program Wednesday to end the sale of single cigarettes out of the pack.
Alderman Michael J. Murphy is a supporter of the campaign. In fact, Ald. Murphy sponsored a bill last year that increased the fine for retailers selling individual cigarettes, or "loosies," to $691 in Milwaukee. Prior to that, the fine for selling loosies was $181 for a first offense and $321 for second and subsequent offenses.
"I am a staunch supporter of this campaign and have been working diligently to eliminate access to tobacco and e-cigarettes among young people," said Ald. Murphy.
The sale of single cigarettes is a contributor to the state's high smoking rate for African Americans, which is nearly double that of the general population.
Selling single cigarettes also increases the likelihood that young people are able to afford and purchase cigarettes.
