IrishMedicalNews

EU doctors call for more tobacco tax

Written by Nick O'Donoghue Tuesday, 07 July 2009 00:00

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European doctors have called for an increase of the minimum tax rate on tobacco to reduce smoking-related deaths.

The Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME) recommended a substantial increase in taxation on tobacco across the 27 EU states compared with the current minimum rate approved by the Union.

“CPME recommends that the Council of Health Ministers and the ECOFIN (Economic and Financial Affairs Council) increase the minimum taxation of tobacco in EU Member States to a substantially higher level than the present one, as a means to reduce smoking and tobacco-related deaths,” a spokesperson for the Committee said.

The Government rejected calls for a €2 tax to be added to all tobacco products in the emergency Budget in April, saying increased taxation would lead to smuggling.

Meanwhile, anti-smoking lobby group ASH Ireland welcomed the implementation of new legislation banning tobacco advertising and promotion in shops, on July 1.

Chairperson of ASH Ireland Dr Angie Brown called on shops to abide by the new laws to protect children from exposure to promotional material for tobacco products.

The legislation prohibits all point-of-sale advertising, sponsorship and display of tobacco products in shops. There will also be tighter control over the location and operation of vending machines.

Retail outlets must also have a closed container to keep tobacco products out of sight, while all tobacco retailers now have to sign up to a retail register.