Key Summary
- The ‘It costs more than you think’ campaign provides retailers and consumers with the tools to report the illicit sale of tobacco and to raise awareness of the impact on local communities.
- New research finds that over 90% of consumers are alarmed that illicit tobacco trade is fuelling organised crime and 8 in 10 believe there is not enough enforcement to stop sales on UK high streets.
- The campaign calls on the Government for tougher enforcement, improved funding for Trading Standards and better cross-border controls to tackle serious organised crime.
JTI has launched a national campaign calling on the Government to do more to tackle the sale of illegal cigarettes, a trade which funds organised crime gangs and exploitation. The call to action coincides with the publication of a landmark new study, comprising a survey of 3,000 adults, with three-quarters (77 per cent) concerned of the repercussions if they were to report illicit tobacco in their community.
Following a year-on-year increase of reports to HMRC reporting the trade of illegal tobacco, the It costs more than you think campaign highlights a critical juncture to tackle how the money made is laundered and taken outside the UK, funding crime and fraud.
The study highlights how the illicit trade of tobacco is at an inflection point, with a fear of repercussion in reporting, lack of awareness in identifying it and a lack of law enforcement in response. Notable findings include:
- The majority (69%) of UK adults have heard or are familiar with illegal tobacco but 2 in 3 (64%) are unsure how to identify it.
- Three quarters (77%) say they are worried about potential repercussions if they report it to authorities.
- 4 in 5 (81%) believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales, yet 1 in 2 (53%) do not believe it is their responsibility to take action.
- Over 90% of consumers are alarmed that illicit tobacco trade is fuelling organised crime and over a third (38%) want stricter enforcement.
The It costs more than you think website has a dedicated retailer page, which outlines the risks of selling illicit tobacco, alongside helpful tips on how to spot illegal tobacco products and report stores selling illicit goods. Retailers can also download a letter template to share with their local MP to raise awareness of illicit tobacco in their area.
“This ground-breaking research clearly demonstrates the concerns of consumers around the illicit sale of illegal tobacco and its impact on communities across the UK,” said Nicky Small, Corporate Affairs & Communications Director, JTI. “Whilst HMRC has seen an increase in reports, many consumers are understandably worried about repercussions if they report these crimes in their area.
“There is a proven link between illegal tobacco and international organised crime groups. Illegal tobacco costs the UK over £2 billion every year in lost tax revenue – meaning the consequences for the taxpayer are significant. Illegal tobacco also puts legitimate retailers at a serious disadvantage and takes footfall and profit away from law-abiding stores. We have therefore launched this campaign to raise awareness, highlight the reporting tools available to fight it, and to call on the Government to do more on this critical issue that continues to harm communities in every region. We hope this campaign will provide valuable support to the retail community, helping them to stay compliant, protect their businesses and crack down on stores selling illicit goods.”
In the coming months, It costs more than you think, will be undertaking a national, regional and trade campaign to raise awareness of the impact of the illegal tobacco trade and to push for policy change at a national level, including better resourcing and support for the enforcement agencies fighting the illegal tobacco trade.
For more information, please visit the campaign website: www.itcostsmorethanyouthink.co.uk