Loosie Explained

In the United States, a loosie (or loosey) is a single cigarette that is purchased or sold.

In the United States, cigarettes are required to be sold in quantities of no less than 20. The sale of loose cigarettes was outlawed because of loosies' potential appeal to children.^[1] Loosies are commonly found in low-income areas.^[2] The high cost of cigarettes due to increased taxation has been blamed for increased sales of loosies.^{[3] [4]}

In 2014, Eric Garner was killed when NYPD officers attempted to arrest him for allegedly selling loosies.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Web site: PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY—DON’T SELL LOOSIES . . 19 December 2022.
2. Web site: I Love 'Loosies': In Defense of Black Market Cigarettes. Christopher Mathias. The Huffington Post. 2011-04-06. 2015-11-16.
3. News: On Manhattan Streets, Loosie Men Sell Illegal Smokes . Goldstein . Joseph . The New York Times . 4 April 2011. 2017-10-30.
4. Web site: Proposed $2 cigarette tax sparks fear of sale of "loosies" . Sonner . Kehrt . Oakland North . October 19, 2016 . 2017-10-30.
5. Web site: How Illegal Cigarettes Get Smuggled and Sold in New York City. Solange Uwimana. Vice. 2014-10-23. 2015-11-16.