JTI raises concerns of illicit trade over generational tobacco ban proposal

Customers requesting illicit tobacco and vape products has risen by 28%, which is reportedly at risk being exacerbated when government’s proposed generation ban is implemented, JTI reports.

Sarah Connor, director of communications at JTI UK, said the generational ban could hand “money to serious and organised crime groups that manufacture and sell illegal tobacco and vapes”.

“There is currently a real concern amongst retailers around the policing of illicit trade, and with the proposed generation ban this fear is growing. In fact, 66% told us that they don’t believe the Government has the required funding or resources to enforce the legislation,” she said.

Twenty-six per cent of retailers say their store has already been negatively impacted due to the sale of illicit tobacco and vapes by other businesses in the area, while nearly a third (30%) of retailers are reportedly aware of one or more stores within a three-mile radius allegedly selling illicit products.

The research was conducted with 250 independent or symbols convenience retailers.

Research carried out with 1,000 retailers for JTI found that that nearly two-thirds said that they expect the proposed generational tobacco ban will lead to an increase in illicit tobacco activity, there is concern within the industry that illegal products will become more prevalent, damaging sales for the majority of retailers.

Connor added: “The sale of illicit tobacco and vapes continues to be a major thorn in the side of legitimate retailers across the UK, taking away thousands of pounds in revenue.

“Retailers can play a vital role in combatting the illicit trade. We’re working closely with our retail partners to ensure that they are knowledgeable and confident in communicating the dangers of illegal products to their customers.”

More than two thirds (72%) of retailers welcome more regulation around the selling of legal tobacco and vaping products, while one in three have already have implemented specific training programmes for their staff to identify and prevent the sale of illicit tobacco and vaping products.

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