Tobacco
Sales of cigarettes and other tobacco products comprised 34.4 percent of the in-store sales at convenience stores in 2006.  While controversial, tobacco is a legal product and one that is important to the economic viability of the convenience store industry.  The anti-tobacco industry is well organized and well funded.  Additionally, avenues for evasion of state and local excise taxes have arisen through mail orders. The NACS government relations team is focused upon protecting this important category for the industry.