Anti-tobacco lobby herald price hike

A packet of cigarettes will cost €10 from today in a move welcomed by anti-tobacco campaigners.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan announced a hike of 40c on a packet of 20 cigarettes, while a 25g packet of roll-your-own tobacco will increase by 20c. The changes mean the cost of a pack of cigarettes will break the €10 barrier for the first time.

Almost 80% of the €10 paid for a box of cigarettes goes directly to the State through Vat and excise duty.