Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) on Wednesday (9) has briefed MPs ahead of a ten minute rule motion on tobacco licensing led by Bob Blackman MP.
In its briefing, ACS has encouraged MPs to consider how more resources can be directed to Trading Standards to help them tackle the illicit tobacco trade.
Research conducted by ACS of enforcement officers in Trading Standards across the UK has shown that 61% don’t believe they have the resources to tackle the illicit tobacco and vaping market.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We have urged the Government to tackle the illicit market by making use of the existing systems such as tobacco track and trace which tracks the movement of tobacco throughout the supply chain and the location of all retailers of tobacco products in the UK.
“The Government should commit to providing additional funding for illicit tobacco enforcement, as set out in the Khan Review and direct this funding to enforcement teams and local authorities to ensure that they have the staffing and resources that they need to tackle illicit traders.”
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