The Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association has called on the government to remove or further limit the amount of tobacco products that a consumer can bring into Ireland for 'personal use'.
In its pre-Budget submission, the CSNA said that it "does not believe that stated public health policies requiring action that will assist a tobacco-free Ireland can work effectively, as long as ‘middle Ireland’ are provided a legitimate (or quasi-legitimate) 'loophole' by way of Personal Allowances for Travelers."
It said that with the forthcoming introduction of the Tobacco Products Directive, and proposed introduction of plain packaging, failure to limit the 'personal' importation of tobacco would "dilute" public health policy in this country as it relates to tobacco.
"The Department should not allow either cigarettes or tobacco products to be imported into this country if those products are not in full compliance with the requirements set out by the Irish Department of Health for tobacco products sold in our Irish stores," it said, calling on the government to "follow the lead" set by the Finnish government on the matter.
Among the other recommendations set forth by the CSNA are: Reduce employer PRSI rates, initially on the 8.5% rate but commit to reducing the 10.75% rate next year; Retain the 9% VAT rate for newspapers and magazines; Address bank charges to small businesses; Develop a fairer system of PAYE/PRSI for self-employed; and provide grants/tax relief for energy efficiency in retailer stores.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Stephen Wynne-Jones
