Tobacco, Spirit and Wine Duties

 

In 2006-7, these duties are as follows :-

Tobacco £8bn, Spirit £2.3bn, Beer £3.2bn, Wine £2.4bn

This gives a total of £15.9bn.

Lets assume 20% of this disappears because of Internet sales, that means the Government will have to raise £3.2bn in other ways. Most would come on tobacco duties especially as smoking will be banned in public places. Traditionally, 1p on Income Tax means that we'd could all pay 3p more.

Why should I as a lifelong anti-smoker subsidise other peoples habits?