Half of retail outlets may stop selling cigarettes
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.
