Nothing stirring as herbal teas escape a tax hike

Herbal tea lovers have been given a boost ahead of the budget with a promise that they will be spared from higher tax rates on their tea.

The Revenue had been planning to impose a 23 per cent Vat rate on herbal teas and fruit infusions, such as orange and coconut tea. This would have raised the price because the Vat rate on standard teas is zero.

But finance minister Michael Noonan read ...