The government allocated HUF 450 million (EUR 1.6 million) to set up a company to monopolize the sale of tobacco products from next year by issuing concessions, according to a report on the website of the Budapest Business Journal.

As of July, 2013, only an expected 7,000 retailers holding the tobacco concessions will be allowed to sell tobacco products, the journal said on its website. The National Tobacco Sales Nonprofit reportedly received the state funding to help it publish tenders, evaluate replies and award the concessions. (pi)