Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Kirsten Oswald MSP, hosted leading representatives of the Scottish convenience sector in the Scottish Parliament last week (3), to address the growing concern of illicit trade and its impact on local businesses and communities.
Chief Executive of the Scottish Grocers Federation, Dr Pete Cheema OBE and industry representatives highlighted the increasing impact that rogue sellers are having on the viability of local stores and welcomed the work of the new Police Scotland Taskforce to curb Retail Crime in Scotland.
Established in 2025, the Retail Crime Taskforce has recently received three years of additional funding worth £10 million, confirmed in the latest Programme for Government. However, the sector has called for more action to tackle a growing prevalence in illicit trade. Urging for tougher punishments for offenders and dedicated enforcement on the issue, via Trading Standards.
Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Kirsten Oswald MSP, said: “I am grateful to the Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) for meeting with me to discuss the impact of illicit trade on legitimate retailers.
“We value the important work being done by Trading Standards and law enforcement partners to tackle illicit trade and we continue to work with them and stakeholders, including SGF, as well as the UK Government, to address the concerns raised. This includes reviewing how closure orders currently work and considering changes that may be required to strengthen enforcement.
“As well as harming legitimate businesses, profits from illicit trade often fund other forms of criminality, and we are committed to doing everything we can to disrupt this damaging activity.”
Pete added: “I want to thank the Minister for her engagement on this critical issue for our sector. It is clear that the Scottish Government is taking this matter very seriously, and now we need to see immediate and tougher action on illegal traders.
“Illegal tobacco and vapes are now widespread in the Scottish marketplace, and without tougher action the situation will only get worse.
“Local stores are at the very heart of their communities, providing lifeline good and services, while boosting local employment and the local economy. Illicit trade not only damages the viability of those businesses, it also funds organised crime and represents a genuine risk to communities and their wellbeing.”