Source: Daily Record and Sunday Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2000 Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
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CIGS PRICE-HIKE TO PAY FOR WAR ON SMUGGLING

Smokers face being hit with a 15p per packet price-hike to pay for new
Government legislation.

The Treasury want to clamp down on tobacco smuggling, which cost them
more than pounds 2.5billion in unpaid taxes last year.

They are expected to unveil plans in April for a new official stamp
that shows UK duty has been paid and a sell-by date.

But the tobacco industry fear it won't stop smuggling and will force
small shops out of business as they will have to pass on the cost to
customers.

Anti-smoking groups said every price hike led to fewer people smoking
and fewer related deaths.