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retailer surveys 
Each year we undertake a survey of our members to measure the impact that the illicit tobacco trade has on their businesses. The findings for the 2008 survey show that:
17% of retailers are considering closing their business because of lost tobacco sales to the black market
81% of retailers don’t think the Government is doing enough to combat the illicit trade in tobacco
39% of retailers are aware of counterfeit tobacco being sold in their area
90% of retailers display ‘No ID No Sale’ campaign materials in their shop
Awareness
89% of retailers aware of the smuggling of tobacco products
58% aware of tobacco products being sold illegally in their area
32% have been themselves, or know of someone who has been offered smuggled goods
19% know of smugglers supplying underage smokers
Sales, Staff and the Business
58% of retailers are very concerned about the effects of cross border shopping and smuggled tobacco goods
85% report that smuggling has decreased their tobacco sales
20% claim a dramatic decrease
30% have considered reducing staff and 28% have actually cut jobs.
As a result of tobacco smuggling, 30% of retailers have considered closing their business and for 17% possible closure is still an issue
The Solution
81% don’t think the Government is doing enough to help retailers affected by smuggling
67% state the way to solve the smuggling situation is to reduce or freeze taxes
61% favour increased penalties for those caught selling
35% believe increased enforcement by HMRC would reduce the problem
75% of retailers anticipate the smuggling situation worsening over the next 12 months
Counterfeit tobacco
39% are aware of counterfeit tobacco products being sold in their area
Responsible Retailing
86% are in favour of a national ID card (91%)
90% display No ID No Sale material in their shop (86%)
80% are aware of CitizenCard, making it the best known proof of age card. Validate UK is next, with 40% recognition
70% of independent retailers see themselves as essential to their community
