The Shinecock Smoke Shop on the Shinecock Nation in New York. Image from Google Maps

The Shinnecock Nation of New York has adopted new controls over the tobacco industry on the reservation.

The tribe set up an office to oversee the sale, manufacture and distribution of tobacco products on the reservation, Newsday reported. A tax is being imposed and revenues will go into a fund to be used for education and health programs.

The changes will allow the entire tribe to see "benefits from the sale of tobacco, as opposed to just a few individuals," The Rev. Michael Smith, a tribal member, told Newsday.

The state has the highest tobacco tax in the nation, which prompted smoke shops on the reservation to carry products made by other tribes. But the state has been seizing shipments and making other enforcement efforts, causing a loss of revenue for sellers.

Smoke shops say their business has fallen by half or more due to the state's actions.

Get the Story:
Shinnecock tribe votes to tighten tobacco rules (Newsday 9/22)

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