Don’t moan about price increases; you have it easy

I refer to your article, Smokers bulk buy cigarettes to beat ‘sin

tax’ imposed today (October 1). I don’t understand why people are so worked up over this price increase.

The money will be used to further improve infrastructure and safety. I really cannot understand the huge fuss everyone is making about a relatively small price increase.

Have they forgotten that in other developed countries in the West and in the Far East, people are charged as much as 20 per cent in VAT and all kinds of other taxes, whether on income, corporation, savings, capital gains, inheritance or many other categories?

People should stop complaining and remember that we don’t pay personal income tax in the UAE. We live in a beautiful and safe country which, at the end of the day, has to be paid for from somewhere.

Nothing in life is free. Tanya Milbourne, Abu Dhabi A smoking ban in public places would be great for everyone. Zak Khan, Abu Dhabi

Unfortunately, educational campaigns and taxes still have not deterred people from smoking in the United States. A pack of cigarettes there can reach Dh40, and you’ll still see people smoking. Beverly Newell, Ras Al Khaimah I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Why not try going to Australia, where you will pay around Dh100 per pack? Anthony Edwards, Abu Dhabi

I definitely noticed firsthand that shops haven’t been able to stock up on any cigarettes. The shelves I saw were totally empty. Sally Barnes, Abu Dhabi

Taxation is on the cost price, not the sales price, so in effect, the increase will be around 50 to 75 per cent of the current retail price. Naveed Azam, Duba