The Northern Ireland Assembly‘must put tackling the illicit trade as its top priority’ in the Tackling Tobacco Strategy, according to the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).
In a detailed response to the consultation ACS sets out four policy proposals changes that would make a difference.
They are:
- More cross-department working at a national policy level, to ensure the Department of Health and the Home Office has joint responsibilities in tackling the illicit trade.
- Trading Standards officers to have more ownership of inland enforcement, as they are the organisation with the strongest relationships with retailers and so are best placed to identify problems.
- Tougher penalties available for those caught selling illicit product, to ensure they act as a sufficient deterrent.
- A review of the amount of tobacco that can be brought into the UK from the EU as it currently undermines government taxation policy.
ACS chief executive, James Lowman, said:“It is clear that smokers of all ages and from all social backgrounds regularly access illicit tobacco. The illicit tobacco trade is a problem that will not be solved by a quick fix, but one that requires significant consideration and investment. If Government are serious about tackling smokingrates this must be addressed.
“The illegal trade impacts on legitimate retailers and it is therefore an issue that the industry wants to work in partnership with Government on. We hope the Northern Irish administration consider our proposals and agree to work in Northern Ireland and in Westminster to ensure they are implemented.”
Source:Association of Convenience Stores (ACS)
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