Shop owners in Cyprus are sad. New European Union taxes are coming. These taxes are for tobacco. Shop owners worry about money.
The taxes will make tobacco cost more. This is to help people stop smoking. But shop owners think it is bad. They are part of the Sykade group. Sykade wants fewer smokers by 2040.
Prices will go up a lot. A pack of cigarettes may cost €7.00. Now it is €5.00. Other tobacco will also cost more. New things like e-cigarettes will be taxed too.
Sykade says high prices hurt shops. It may help people who sell illegally. "More taxes mean less money," they say. They also worry about smuggled cigarettes. This costs Cyprus much money now.
"People will buy illegal tobacco," they say. Sykade wants other ideas. They want to catch smugglers. They want better checks at the border.
Sykade will talk to the Finance Minister. They will share their worries. They hope to find good answers. They want to help people and shops.