Taxing the smoker

The GCC’s proposal to raise tobacco tariffs is being welcomed by health experts but will it be effective in curbing smoking and earning much-needed revenue?  A sharp hike in tobacco tariffs could further fuel an already illicit cigarette market in the Middle East. Experts suggest that governments introduce excise taxes to raise revenue instead of doubling customs tariffs.

Taxes, if imposed, should be moderate and uniform across the Gulf and raised gradually to discourage smuggling, according to experts.
 

https://www.zawya.com/story/Would_proposed_GCC_tobacco_taxes_curb_smoking-ZAWYA20160110101129/