New Iowa Law Starting Jan 1 Threatens Local Glass Pipe Businesses
“Could any industry be able to absorb a 40% increase anywhere?”
Retailers who sell glass and metal smoking pipes say a new Iowa law could kill their business.
“Well, it feels like taxation without representation,” said Rachel Gulick, owner of House of Glass.
Gulick is worried. The sale of glass pipes for smoking tobacco, hemp, and other products makes her a good living at her House of Glass shop on Des Moines’ south side. But a new state law that goes into effect Wednesday could send Gulick’s business up in smoke.
“Could any industry be able to absorb a 40% increase anywhere?” she asked.
The Iowa legislature passed the devices law last winter. It requires a new excise tax of 40% on certain smoking devices. It also requires retailers to buy a $1,500 yearly permit. Device retailers also have to file a report of the names and ages of customers.
“Are bartenders expected to get names and ages of every person they serve in a bar? No,” Gulick said.
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