Tobacco costs soar

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kimberly Limrick
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. --  There's no better time to follow up on those new years resolutions to quit smoking.

Tobacco users will notice a price increase on their preferred products effective Jan. 16.
Prices will increase at the base exchange, shoppette and commissary.

The price increases vary by product. In addition to South Dakota increasing the tax on tobacco products, the majority of tobacco companies also increased their prices, which translated to overall retail price increases.

Department of Defense instruction 1330.9 requires Army and Air Force Exchange Service/Defense Commissary Agency tobacco prices to be set five percent below the surveyed price in support of the military de-glamorization of alcohol and tobacco. (This DoD instruction can be read in its entirety below).

"Due to this instruction, when tobacco sell prices increase in the local market, they ultimately increase on the base," said Andy Louder, Ellsworth Base Exchange general manager.

The pricing policy is neither an AAFES nor DECA policy; it is a Department of Defense policy the stores must follow. Mr. Louder explained. "We realize many people will not be happy about this change and we hope that our customers don't take out their frustrations on our associates," Mr. Louder said.

Here is a bright side, the additional dollars generated from this price increase will ultimately benefit services programs since AAFES earnings support these programs. "Last year Ellsworth Services received more than $330,000 from AAFES earnings," said Mr. Louder.

For those who'd rather quit smoking than pay more for tobacco, the Health and Wellness Center will continue to offer tobacco cessation classes. The course consists of four, one-hour classes across two weeks and is scheduled to be held Feb. 14, 16, 21 and 23. The class is given by the HAWC using American Caner Society fresh start curriculum, said Tanya Henriques, 28th Medical Operations Squadron health education program manager. Those who attend the class qualify for free medication to help ensure their success.

Additionally, the HAWC encourages members to call the American Lung Association help line at 1-800-548-8252.

For more HAWC information call Ms. Henriques at 385-2349 or for more AAFES information call Mr. Louder at 923-4774.

Editor's note: We would like to hear your opinion. Those with access to military-restricted computers can access the Ellsworth blog through the Community of Practice on the intranet.

Department of Defense instruction 1330.9 para. 4.10.3 Pricing of tobacco products. Prices of tobacco products sold in military resale outlets in the United States, its territories and possessions, shall be no higher than the most competitive commercial price in the local community and no lower than five percent below the most competitive commercial price in the local community. Tobacco shall not be priced below the cost to the exchange. Prices of tobacco products sold in overseas military retail outlets shall be within the range of prices established for military retail system stores located in the United States.