Increase in smuggling predicted after excise hike

INCREASED smuggling south of the border and heightened shopping in the north has been predicted in the wake of the budgetary increases on cigarettes and wine.

The Irish Wine Association stressed we already had the highest excise on wine in Europe before yesterday’s 25% hike, or 50 cent per bottle. There was no increase levied on the price of a pint of beer.

A 50% reduction of excise on low alcohol beer and cider was introduced from midnight last night.