Call for 99 percent tax on cigarette company profits

A leading Irish oncologist and senator has called for a 99 percent tax on the profits of tobacco companies if they pursue threats of legal action against the state, according to a story in the Irish Examiner.

Commenting on news that JTI Ireland had threatened to sue the state over the introduction of standardized packaging, Senator John Crown said the government should fight back.

“We should retaliate … the government should consider some kind of measured response; that if this goes to court they should consider truly punitive taxes on tobacco company profits,” said Professor Crown.

“Perhaps something like a 99 percent tax on the profits of tobacco companies, or perhaps something like putting a €1,000 a pack tax on a pack of cigarettes – if the industry tries these kind of antics with us.”

Speaking after the cabinet had discussed on Tuesday the introduction of standardized packaging, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, James Reilly, who put forward the plans for standardized packaging during his time as Minister for Health, said he would not give in to pressure.

“I need to be temperate in my language,” he was quoted as saying. “I’ll merely say this – the Irish government will always put the health of its citizens first, and it does so in this case too, without fear or favour from any external force – be that a multinational tobacco industry or other.”