MADISON, Wis. -- A state convenience store chain is handing out coupons to counter Wisconsin's increase in the cigarette tax.

As part of a marketing promotion, Open Pantry stores are handing out "Doyle Dollars" to smokers to help offset the $1 per pack increase in the state's cigarette tax. Gov. Jim Doyle pushed for the cigarette tax increase in the budget.

The promotion, which is good for $1 off any two packs of cigarettes, began Tuesday, the same day the tax hike took effect, and runs through Jan. 31.

Open Pantry Senior Vice President Jim Fiene said he has been surprised by the number of customers who didn't realize the tax hike was taking effect this week. He said the company was already selling its cigarettes above the required minimum markup price, so the promotion isn't affected by the statute.