Joins other organizations in fight against illegal trafficking of tobacco products

WASHINGTON, Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council announced today its membership in the Coalition to Stop Contraband Tobacco, an organization dedicated to preventing the illegal trafficking of tobacco products via the Internet.

"Illegal sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products is a serious problem that affects many American small businesses, and we are pleased to join in the effort to stop this practice," said Karen Kerrigan, president and CEO of the SBE Council.  "These illegal sales divert business from thousands of law abiding tobacco sellers and ultimately costs states billions of dollars in lost tax revenue."

The Coalition to Stop Contraband Tobacco is a diverse group of individuals, associations, businesses and other organizations that are urging the U.S. Congress to pass the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking (PACT) Act.  This legislation will eliminate underage access to tobacco products via the Internet, curtail associated illegal activities and help state government recover lost state excise tax revenues.

"It is essential that Congress immediately pass the PACT Act," continued Kerrigan.  "This is common sense legislation that will benefit American small business owners, states that are running budget deficits and America's youth."

The PACT Act passed in the House of Representatives in May is currently pending in the U.S. Senate.

"The SBE Council urges the U.S. Senate to act swiftly to pass this bill so that legitimate businesses are protected," concluded Kerrigan.

The SBE Council is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization dedicated to protecting small business and promoting entrepreneurship. For more information, please visit www.sbecouncil.org.

SOURCE The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council

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