Tobacco tax rise a ‘tokenistic penalty’

Anti-tobacco activists in Ireland have condemned as inadequate the latest tobacco duty rise of 10 cents, according to a story in Northern Ireland’s Belfast Telegraph.

The Irish Cancer Society accused the government of applying a “tokenistic penalty,” according to the Telegraph, and the Heart Foundation branded the increase a missed opportunity.

The increase was less than had been expected by Health Minister Dr. James Reilly, who has said he wanted to see 50 cents added to the price of a pack of cigarettes in every budget.

Nevertheless, the increase leaves Ireland as one of the most expensive places in which to smoke licit cigarettes, and the second most expensive country in Europe.

Only Norway has more expensive cigarettes in Europe.