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retailer surveys 
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
