Tax on big cigars going up 25 cents in Cook County

It is going to get a bit more expensive to look like a big shot in Cook County.

Starting Thursday, those big cigars of just under half an ounce or more one might see sticking out of the mouth of someone who closed a big deal, or who is just a cigar connoisseur, will cost 25 cents more. Smaller cigars will be taxed a nickel more each.

Not only that, but the cost of smokeless tobacco, or chew as it's called, will increase by 30 cents an ounce this year and another 30 cents next year.

The Cook County Board, which has been looking for more revenue, passed the expansion of cigarette taxes to other tobacco products. The increase is expected to bring in $9.6 million this year alone.