Cigarettes Tax Doubled, EU News

Smokers across the EU may be in for a surprise later this year if the European Commission adopts experts’ proposals to double the tax on cigarettes to curb the addictive habit. Experts, including top economists and health specialists, are recommending that the minimum excise duty on cigarettes and other tobacco products across the EU be “at least doubled” and increased every year. They have established a clear relation between the price of cigarettes and consumption patterns through a three-year Commission-sponsored study on pricing policies and control of tobacco products in Europe.

Smoking Ban and Smokers Secret

The number of people hiding their smoking habit from friends and family members seems to have risen since the introduction of the UK's public smoking ban. A poll of 2,000 people, conducted by One Poll on behalf of the Co-operative Pharmacy, found that one in 12 respondents now have a home smoking ban in place.