A distributor of a number of well-known tobacco brands says the Government cannot unilaterally introduce plain packaging on its products as a member of the EU.

A distributor of a number of well-known tobacco brands says the Government cannot unilaterally introduce plain packaging on its products as a member of the EU.

Sales of fake tan and Corona cigars in tuck shops around the country’s prison system contributed to revenues of more than €7.5m.

Irish prisoners, including their latest addition, John Dundon, will soon be wearing “Hollywood smiles”, sporting fake tans and smoking Hamlet cigars after retail giant BWG scooped a multimillion-euro contract to supply tuck shops across Irish prisons.

Tobacco company Gallaher, which makes Benson & Hedges cigarettes, today reported a 15% surge in pre-tax profits for last year and said 2003 was on track to meet market expectations.