Trucking May Sue Over NY Cigarette Law

September 6, 2000 9:15 AM, EDT

The New York State Motor Truck Association is considering taking legal action to stop enforcement of a new state law that would require carriers to make sure receivers of cigarettes are properly licensed.

“We think this laws sets a bad precedent,” said Gerald DeLuca, director of government affairs for the group. “We just carry packages. We’re not in the business of making sure it’s legal for receivers to get them.”

The law was enacted to stop the flow of bootleg cigarettes and prevent untaxed sales over the Internet.

“We are protecting the business interests of hard-working, honest store owners by implementing tough new enforcement provisions to crack down on bootleggers who attempt to circumvent the law,” Gov. George E. Pataki said when he signed the cigarette legislation into law Aug. 17.

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