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Wilmington councilman introduces resolution seeking ability to levy city cigarette tax
Summary
Councilman Kobe J. Owens introduced a resolution asking the Delaware General Assembly to allow Wilmington to levy a tax on cigarette packs sold inside city limits; the measure was referred to full City Council and committee members discussed expanding any tax to cover vaping and other tobacco products.
Councilman Kobe J. Owens introduced a resolution at the Wilmington City Council Health, Environmental, Aging and Disabilities Committee on May 21, 2025, asking the Delaware General Assembly to give the city authority to levy a per‑pack tax on cigarettes sold within Wilmington’s boundaries.
The resolution, Owens said, is intended to support the city’s strategic plan for a healthier Wilmington and to raise local revenue that would fund public‑safety and other city services. He told the committee that research shows “for every 10% that the price goes up for cigarettes, about 6 to 7% usage of youth goes down,” and said the measure would mirror city cigarette taxes in places such as Philadelphia and New York and align with recommendations from the American Lung…
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