Sharp increases in the price of cigarettes in January 2010 could fuel an explosion in tobacco smuggling, the Tobacco Retailers Alliance (TRA) has warned. The proposed increase to VAT announced in the chancellor’s pre-Budget report will mean a price rise of around 13 – 18p on a packet of 20 cigarettes. Retailers fear the cost increase will push more smokers onto the black market in tobacco products, which are typically sold at half th ... Jump to full article >>