The organisation's chairman, Julian Le Grand, said the permit for buying cigarettes, cigars, loose tobacco or pipe tobacco might cost "as little as GBP 10" (USD 19.60). According to Le Grand, who is a professor, acquiring the permit could be made complicated – including the requirement to apply for the permit with a photograph – so that smokers will be put off. As 70 per cent of smokers want to give up, this obstacle may help them make the decision, Le Grand believes. This measure would have a significant impact in reducing the number of smokers in the country.
Forest, a lobby group that represents the wishes of smokers, has labeled this proposal as "outrageous". The UK already has virtually the most expensive cigarettes in the world, where a packet of 20 cigarettes costs about $11 – most of the cost is made up of tax. (pi)