Cigs up 50c in Budget

Smokers are hit hard but price of pint unchanged

- BY JOHN KIERANS

THE Government will increase the price of a packet of cigarettes by 50c in tomorrow's Budget.

The move will bring the cost for brands such as Silk Cut or Benson and Hedges up to €18.95 - among the EU's most expensive.

A Government source said: "The hike has been approved by the Cabinet.

"Smokers won't be happy but it is to save lives and at least the increase is better than last year when they went up by €1 a packet."

REDUCTION

There will be no increase in the price of a pint because of the expected reduction in VAT for the hospitality sector.