ACS

ACS has written to Ministers calling on them to take action to close down black market operations, such as cigarette selling from private homes known as tab houses and selling illegal non-duty paid and counterfeit cigarettes at less than half the price of legitimate products. This follows the largest illegal tobacco seizure in history and concerns from Trading Standards over the prevalence of tab houses and their effect on under-18s in the most deprived communities.

ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “The prevalence of the illegal trade in cigarettes is the single biggest threat to the Government’s tobacco control strategy. There remains no effective approach for the punishment and deterrence of people from buying and selling illegal cigarette products at pocket money prices.

“Enforcement clampdowns by HM customs at UK borders have stemmed some of the flow of illegal products into the UK, but have not dented the trade that flourishes in the UK’s most deprived communities.

“As Ministers prepare a strategy for the next ten years they must plug the gap between detection activities at the border and the black market racketeers on the street. The gap is created by a lack of sufficient legal powers and the necessary resources to tackle the problem. There is also crippling confusion over responsibilities between police, trading standards and customs at the local level.”

 Contacts:
Shane Brennan Public Affairs Director
01252 515001/ 07921 372 978
Nina Collins Communications Coordinator
01252 515001

Notes to Editors:

1. ACS (Association of Convenience Stores) is the voice of local shops, representing over 33,500 convenience stores. ACS helps local shops thrive through lobbying, support and networking opportunities.
2. To read the story in full from the Press Association, click here: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5h0OZYO-6jFjeXQC_YFRzYOK4-8JQ