Yesterday, anticipating and angry about a new cigarette tax in New York that may be applied immediately to existing inventories, the New York Association of Convenience Stores complained about the state Tax Dept. conducting "Gestapo-style" inspections to make sure no one was cheating.
Today, an apology from Jim Calvin, head of the trade association:
"In the release I sent yesterday about the anticipated cigarette 'floor tax,' my reference to 'Gestapo-style' inspections by the state Tax Department was stupid and offensive. As soon as I saw it it in print this morning in the T-U's blog, I kicked myself. I just want to apologize to you and your readers, and especially everyone over at the Tax Department. In our industry, frustration is running high over the cigarette tax hike issue, but that's no excuse for me to use such an offensive remark."