The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
By Jessica Quinn RETAILERS in Ennis and Shannon are fearful for the future of their businesses and jobs, as a result of the growing trade in illegal cigarettes in the county. They say plans for the introduction of plain packaging will drive tobacco sales further underground, with more and more people turning to illicit and counterfeit products. According to one concerned Ennis shopkeeper, “this will be the nail in the coffin”. Cancer, asthma and heart health charities have welcomed the move to plain packaging and Revenue and the gardaí say they do not believe the plan will lead to increased smuggling. However, local retailers have a very different view, saying it will make it easier for the illegal trade to thrive. A survey carried out last year showed that one in three cigarettes smoked in Ennis were illegal. The study of discarded packs found on the streets and bins of the county capital was carried out in July and are …
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