Half of retail outlets may stop selling cigarettes

Half of all retail outlets will stop selling cigarettes if Health Minister James Reilly hikes the licence fee on providing tobacco products to €500 a year.

The claim has been made by the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, which said the tenfold budget-imposed increase — up from €50 a year — is impossible for businesses to meet.

Under plans detailed by the Department of Health a fortnight ago, the price shops pay for the right to sell all types of tobacco products is set to increase from €50 to up to €500 a year.