Tax Slams Roll-Your-Own Shops

Independent shops say they've been mugged by government, big business

Tennessee tobacco farmers will see taxes on their products rise because of legislation passed this year by the General Assembly, mirrored by a provision in the federal highway bill passed in July.

Although the highway bill has been touted by Washington politicians as supporting or creating around a million jobs, the provision taxing roll-your-own tobacco shops as manufacturers could put an end to an entire industry.