Ireland: Retail Group Wants Halt to Cigarette Tax Rises

Source from:  Sunday Business Post 07/05/2016

Retailers Against Smuggling (RAS), which says it represents more than 3,000 retailers, says that in the first six months of 2016, tobacco products seized by Revenue have led to a loss of over €15.8m to the Exchequer, up more than €5m on the same period in 2015.

In a pre-Budget submission, RAS called for a moratorium on further excise increases until such rises can be proven not to encourage smuggling.

Retailer and RAS Dublin spokesperson Benny Gilsenan said tobacco products can amount to up to 30 per cent of some retailers' business. "Criminals can sell illegal cigarettes on our streets for €4-5 per pack which undercuts the legitimate retailer by 50 per cent," he said.

On solid fuel, RAS has called for regular spot checking of fuel transports on the road for compliance with carbon tax and VAT legislation. It also wants increased spot checks by Environmental Health Officers on non-retail outlets to prevent the sale of illicit tobacco products and solid fuel. Enditem