Ireland increased the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes by €0.75 ($0.80) and announced a new tax on vaping products for next year, reports The Irish Times. Other tobacco products will be subject to a pro-rate increase.
Finance Minister Michael McGrath said the move “supports the public health policy of reducing levels of smoking in Irish society”. “In view of the continuing delays in the public health interest, the Taxation of Tobacco Products Directive, and the revision of the Government’s commitment to a scheme for the taxation of e-cigarettes and vaping products, I am proposing to introduce a domestic tax on these products in next year’s budget,” McGrath said. He said the Treasury would need to undertake “significant preparatory work” to draft the underlying legislation.
“Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet, and there has been an explosion in youth use of e-cigarettes that has been further fueled by the advent of disposable vapes,” said Chris Macey, director of advocacy with the Irish Heart Foundation.
The Irish Heart Foundation called on the finance minister last week to introduce a €0.10 per milliliter tax on e-liquid.
“Annual tax hikes on tobacco are punishing consumers for enjoying a perfectly legitimate habit,” said John Mallon, spokesperson for Smokers’ rights group. “Not only does it discriminate against consumers on lower incomes, [but] it will drive even more smokers to the black market.”
Ireland Raises Cigarette Prices, Announces Vape Tax最先出现在IECIE 2023 WORLD VAPE SHOW。
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