Study says price rules could cut smoking deaths

SMOKERS could face a minimum pricing policy similar to that imposed on drinkers.

- BY DOUGLAS DICKIE

The SNP have been criticised for targeting responsible drinkers with minimum pricing.

But they are likely to face less resistance if a similar move is made on cigarettes, although it would likely hit those on low incomes the hardest.

A study commissioned by Public Health Scotland suggests a minimum price of 80p per cigarette or 0.5g of rolling tobacco could help thousands to quit.