Tobacco smuggling

Tobacco smuggling has a significant impact on public health and the revenue benefits of increased taxation.  An increase in taxation of 1 per cent would be expected to decrease tobacco consumption by 0.4 per cent. The tobacco industry cites smuggling as a reason not to increase tobacco taxes but it should be remembered that in years when the minister of the day has not increased tobacco taxes, the tobacco industry itself has increased the price in order to boost its own profits. The international tobacco industry itself has had to pay billions of euro in settlements and fines for its role in smuggling. There should be the introduction of an environmental levy on tobacco to help offset the environmental damage caused by tobacco.

http://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/letters/tobacco-smuggling-1.2232361