Increased tobacco duty could raise 'tens of thousands of pounds'

But treasury minister says main aim is to stop people smoking

Tens of thousands of pounds could be generated by increasing the duty rates for tobacco products sold on the Isle of Man.

But the treasury minister has told Manx Radio that isn’t the main purpose of the hike.

The Island is following the UK in putting the rate up by the Retail Price Index plus two percent - the rate of hand-rolling tobacco will also jump to RPI plus 12 per cent.

Alex Allinson says it’s a way to try and encourage people to stop smoking: