COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The Danish government has increased taxes on cigarettes, ice-creams, sweets and other products in an effort to make Danes healthier.
The tax reform came into effect Thursday and also means taxes have increased on soft drinks and flavored alcoholic beverages, so-called alcopops.
The tax per liter of ice-cream was increased to 4.25 kroner ($0.67) from 3.40 kroner ($0.56) previously, while the tax on cigarettes was raised by 2 kroner ($0.33) per pack.
The World Health Organization has called taxation one of the most effective interventions to fight alcohol-related harm, tobacco consumption and obesity.
The Brussels, Belgium-based European Public Health Alliance urged other EU members to follow Denmark's example.
