Anti-smoking body urges €1 hike in cigarette prices
THE state's anti-smoking body has called for €1 to be put on the price of a packet of cigarettes in the budget to help people pack in the habit.
The Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) proposes raising the price of 20 cigarettes to about €8.50, with similar price rises on cigars and "roll-your-own tobacco". The group has also called for the VAT to be dropped on nicotine-replacement therapy products.
The OTC said €5m could be generated under the plans, some of which would be used to fund anti-smoking initiatives.
The anti-smoking group's chief executive, Eamonn Rossi, said the move would also allow more smokers to pay for patches to help them give up their addiction. He said the extra cost of a packet of cigarettes would also work as a deterrent against smoking.
"It is estimated that over 95pc of smokers who quit before the age of 30 years will avoid a tobacco-related death," he said.
- Shane Hickey
