CIGARETTE and alcohol lovers may have to pay more for both items after the budget announcement tomorrow night says Minister for Health and Medical Services Jone Usamate.
In an interview, Mr Usamate said the abuse of both items were major contributors to non-communicable diseases.
He said Government would tax both items heavily because they had a far reaching negative impact on the country’s health system.
“This is why Government has been taxing the two items heavily every year and last year taxation on cigarettes went as high as 18 per cent,” he said.
“Cigarettes are one of the main contributors to NCDs including alcohol.
“Therefore prices of both items will be increased after the announcement of the 2017 National Budget.”
Responding to questions regarding the sale of loose cigarettes and the problem of smoking in public places which were both rife in the North, Mr Usamate said he was not aware of the two issues.
“There are certain places in towns that have been designated as ‘No Smoking’ zones and it is these places where members of the public cannot smoke.
“I would like to clarify that the ban does not cover the whole town area.
“I will have to discuss with the divisional medical officer North on the activeness of the Tobacco Control Unit in the North.”
The sale of loose cigarette rolls is not allowed and Mr Usamate called on illegal sellers to refrain from selling them.
“I will look into both issues and discuss with the divisional medical officer North,” he said.
