BUDGET 2016: Smokers to cough up more for their tobacco

Among the old reliables in Michael Noonan’s budget, consumers of alcohol and motorists escaped unscathed, but cigarette smokers will have to cough up another 50 cent per packet.

The drinks industry was far from happy, though, as it had sought a decrease in excise duty on beer, spirits and wine.

The hike on tobacco was welcomed by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) but was criticised yesterday by tobacco interests as another incentive for smugglers and described by smoking groups as an attack on the poor and elderly.