Lower house approves higher consumer tax on cigarettes and tobacco

The lower house of Parliament has approved a bill which would gradually raise consumer tax on cigarettes and tobacco products in the course of the next three years. The first hike would take place on January 1st 2016 and increase the price of a pack of cigarettes by three to four crowns. The increase in state revenues would amount to 3.3 billion crowns in 2016 and 1.5 billion in the following two years. The bill will now go to the Senate.