"Tobacco is not an illegal substance yet the government is persecuting a minority. I think that's a disgrace in a social democracy."
Sir Ronald Harwood,
Playwright and screenwriter
Media Centre
Increase in tobacco duty "penalises law-abiding consumers"
Thursday 24th March 2011
The smokers' lobby group Forest has criticised the Chancellor’s decision to increase tobacco duty by two per cent above inflation, arguing that it penalises "law-abiding consumers".
Director Simon Clark said: "Law-abiding consumers who buy their tobacco in British shops are being penalised unfairly. The policy also discriminates against those who can least afford it, especially the elderly and the low paid.
"Increasing tobacco duty could cost the government billions of pounds. The people who will benefit most are black marketeers and those who purchase their tobacco abroad."
He added: "The Chancellor said the government's policy on tobacco will reduce smoking. It's not the government's role to force people to stop consuming a legal product. That's social engineering, which we deplore."
Our Supporters
Register Your Support >
Are you a smoker who is tired of being targetted for your habit?
