End to cheap cigarettes with tax hike across EU

IRISH smokers could soon find their regular consignment of cheap cigarettes from holiday destinations will dry up following proposals to dramatically increase the tax on tobacco throughout the EU.

The plan could see the price of cigarettes in Spain and Italy increasing by almost 20% while those visiting eastern European countries would find increases of 30% — and close to 50% for Poland.

Ireland, Britain, France and Germany will not be affected by the proposals as these countries already have high excise duties on tobacco.