The traditional targets of cigarettes and booze were hit hard in the Budget. While tax cuts for small businesses were welcome, the industry was rocked with a massive 25p increase in the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes. And the issue of bootlegging was once again foremost in many retailers minds. Cigarette manufacturer Gallaher slammed the increase for being "the same old story". Corporate affairs manager Jeff Jaffrey said: "We are extremely disappointed, but not suprised. This will only serve to further encourage the cigarette smugglers." The Association of Convenience Stores said the government was undermining its health policy by making it easier for the young to get hold of bootlegged cigarettes. And Wine and Spirit Association director Quentin Rappaport said a quarter of all wine consumed in the UK is bought from France. The 4p extra duty on a bottle of wine represents a 3.4% increase ­ well ahead of inflation. But the cut in capital gains tax to 35% from 40% and the benefits to employee share ownership schemes from the introduction of a 10% capital gains tax rate were welcomed. And both Asda and the CWS applauded moves to reduce the "Tampon tax". The reduction in the rate of VAT on sanitary products from 17.5% to 5% from January 1 2001 was hailed as a victory for a three year campaign by Asda. Asda health and beauty director Penny Coates said: "Taxing sanitary protection discriminates against millions of women who have no choice but to buy these products." {{NEWS }}