tobacco retailers alliance

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Each year we undertake a survey of our 16,000 members to measure the impact that the illicit tobacco trade has on their businesses. The findings for the 2007 survey show that:

1 in 5 retailers are considering closing their business because of lost tobacco sales to the black market
91% of retailers don’t think the Government is doing enough to combat the illicit trade in tobacco
42% of retailers are aware of counterfeit tobacco being sold in their area
92% of retailers display ‘No ID No Sale’ campaign materials in their shop

Awareness

96% of retailers aware of the smuggling of tobacco products

67% aware of tobacco products being sold illegally in their area

37% have been themselves, or know of someone who has been offered smuggled goods

23% know of smugglers supplying underage smokers

Sales, Staff and the Business

70% of retailers are very concerned about the effects of cross border shopping and smuggled tobacco goods

82% report that smuggling has decreased their tobacco sales

24% claim a dramatic decrease

36% have considered reducing staff and 28% have actually cut jobs.

As a result of tobacco smuggling, 38% of retailers have considered closing their business and for 20% possible closure is still an issue

The Solution

91% don’t think the Government is doing enough to help retailers affected by smuggling

71% state the way to solve the smuggling situation is to reduce or freeze taxes

62% favour increased penalties for those caught selling

41% believe increased enforcement by HMRC would reduce the problem

90% of retailers anticipate the smuggling situation worsening over the next 12 months

Counterfeit tobacco

42% are aware of counterfeit tobacco products being sold in their area

Responsible Retailing

92% are in favour of a national ID card (91%)

92% display No ID No Sale material in their shop (86%)

83% are aware of CitizenCard, making it the best known proof of age card. Prove It is next, with 48% recognition

66% of independent retailers see themselves as essential to their community

 


Tobacco Retailers Alliance is funded by the Tobacco Manufacturers' Association