"No Singles/No Loosies" campaign launches to end illegal single cigarette sales in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee is cracking down on the sale of single cigarettes.

A local group plans to launch a new campaign Wednesday to raise awareness about the issue.

The campaign is called "No Singles/No Loosies" and starting Monday special signs and window clings will be posted at area businesses reinforcing the message. Organizers hope the change will help put an end to the sale of single cigarettes out of the pack, which is illegal.

City leaders say selling single cigarettes contributes to the state's high smoking rate for African-Americans, which is nearly double that of the general population.

Last year, the city increased the fine for retailers caught selling single cigarettes to $691 - that's nearly four-times what it used to be for a first time offense.

This campaign is backed by the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network's Single Cigarette subcommittee.

Organizers said this as a problem really came to light research done a few years ago. 

The group is holding a press conference at 10 a.m.

Afterwards, they and several city officials will be taking a walking tour of tobacco retailers.