Government addicted to tax on bad habits

THE European Court of Justice has dashed hopes of cheap imports of alcohol and tobacco from other EU member states. Now, as the budget approaches, we can expect calls for excise duty increases to help wean us off our multiple addictions — alcohol, tobacco and oil.

Before joining the chorus, consider the following scenario: you earned €100 overtime and had €52 extra in your pay packet at the end of the week, after deduction of tax (42%) and PRSI (6%).

You had two pints (€8) after work on Friday. On the way home you stopped for petrol (€30), a bottle of wine (€7.50) and 20 fags (€6.50).