Retailers are appealing to the government to row back on new proposals which will see plain packaging being introduced on packets of cigarettes.

The new proposals from Minister for Health James Reilly will make it illegal to have colourful or unique branding, in an attempt to curb underage smoking.

However, retailers have slammed the idea, saying it will lead to a surge in smuggling across the country, which is costing the Exchequer 570 million euro a year.

Benny Gilsenan owns a shop on Emmet Street in Dublin - he says the proposal will hurt shop-owners and cost jobs: