Ten-fold hike in tobacco retailer fees

Most retailers in Ireland are to be forced to pay fees increased by ten-fold if they want to keep selling tobacco products, according to a story in The Irish Examiner.

As part of budget 2014, Finance Minister Michael Noonan will tell shop owners he is increasing the fee from €50 to €500, though slightly lower rates will apply to small stores.

The increase, which is due to be brought in next year, is expected to deliver an additional €5 million a year into government coffers.

The new fees will require specific legislation, but that is expected to be in place by the start of next year.