July 1, 2009 Smoking restrictions, tax increases take effect in Vermont Play video

(NECN: Anya Huneke, Burlington, VT) - As of today, it will cost more to smoke in Vermont, and there are fewer places you can do it. New laws take effect that increase taxes and restrictions, which many believe will help more people quit, and protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke.

But some are resentful of the changes.

Two words sum up Rob Doekel's opinion of the changes to Vermont’s smoking laws and prices. A 30-or-so year smoker, he says he feels shunned.

Rob Doekel\Richmond, VT "Basically they're just pushing us away- making us seem like lower class of society."

Wednesday - July 1st - some new laws went into effect- including one that bans smoking in the workplace entirely- amending a previous, partial ban.

Vermont was a leader on anti-smoking legislation when it passed a Smoking in the Workplace law in 1987. But that law included an exception for designated smoking areas indoors. Now- Vermont is following a number of other states that have full workplace bans.

They also decided to increase Vermont’s cigarette tax, by 25-cents-- bringing the state tax to $2.24.

Chelsea Ressler says she welcomes the new tax and restrictions-- she thinks they may, in fact, benefit her... And she's a smoker.

Chelsea Ressler\Burlington "The price increase definitely encourages me to cut back and stop smoking- so I'm happy with it."

But others say they don't think it's enough to price them out of the habit, even

Sheri Lynn of the Vermont Department of Health says the aim is to make people healthier. She says recent research has found secondhand smoke to be more dangerous than previously thought.

Lynn says she's encouraged to see a drop in adult smoking rates in Vermont since 2000. And is hoping the new laws will drive them down even further.