ACS

ACS has responded to the Department of Health’s Tobacco Strategy. The Strategy outlines the Government plans to reduce the percentage of the population who smokes to 10% by 2020.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman had the following to say on the different sections of the strategy:

On the measures to target the black market in smuggled and counterfeit tobacco: “Tackling the black market, which thrives among under 18s and in our most disadvantaged communities, must be the number one aim of the Government’s tobacco policy. While the strategy sets out plans to do more in tackling the illicit trade overseas, it still does not address the issue of black market racketeers on the street. There needs to be a focus on inland enforcement, spearheaded by new tougher penalties for bootleggers and greater investment.

“There is also crippling confusion over responsibilities between police, trading standards and customs at the local level as whose responsibility it is tackle inland enforcement. We are disappointed that the strategy does not take steps to clear up this confusion.”

On the decision not to include tobacco licensing: "We are glad that the Government has decided not to propose tobacco licensing for convenience stores. As we clearly demonstrated, such a policy would only penalise responsible retailers, while doing nothing to address the minority of irresponsible retailers, bootleggers and adults who are the main source of tobacco for young people.”

Contacts:

Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 533009/ 07921 372978
Chris Noice Communications Assistant
01252 533013

Notes to Editors:

The measures in A Smokefree Future.. A comprehensive tobacco control strategy for England include:

• Cracking down on cheap illicit cigarettes by investing extra resources in overseas officers will stop 200 million cigarettes entering the UK every year.
• New types of support for smokers who want to give up
• The Government will carefully consider the case for plain packaging.
• Stopping the sale of tobacco from vending machines
• Reviewing smokefree law to include, for example, whether to extend legislation from enclosed public places and workplaces to areas like entrances to buildings.