ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has urged the government to provide Trading Standards with the resources it needs to tackle the multi billion pound illicit trade in tobacco and vaping, ahead of a debate on the UK’s 2030 smokefree targets.
In a briefing to MPs ahead of the debate, ACS has highlighted the damage being done to responsible retailers, and by extension their communities, by the widespread illicit trade in tobacco and vaping. 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 market.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “There are thousands of frustrated retailers calling on Trading Standards to do more to seize illicit tobacco and sanction those who sell it, but the reality is that the enforcement community just doesn’t have the resources to keep up. By investing in additional resources for Trading Standards officers, the Government will take significant steps in closing the multi-billion pound tax gap in the tobacco market.
“We welcome the recommendation set out in the Khan Review earlier this year for an additional £15m in funding for illicit tobacco enforcement, and urge the Government to take action immediately to support responsible retailers.”
ACS has also welcomed proposals from ASH (Action on Smoking and Health) which recommend the introduction of mandatory Challenge25 policies on tobacco products, highlighting the success of the Challenge25 scheme in preventing underage alcohol purchases. ACS has been working with the Retail of Alcohol Standards Group (RASG) in promoting Challenge25 as best practice for the sale of all age restricted products.
The debate on the independent review of smokefree 2030 policies is taking place today (November 3rd) – more information is available here: https://whatson.parliament.uk/event/cal40232
ACS has Challenge25 resources available for retailers on all age restricted products here: https://www.acs.org.uk/challenge25
