The latest edition of the Annual Economic Survey
of Tobacco Alliance members was published on August 15th 2007. The survey investigates the level of
tobacco smuggling in the UK and the effects of
independent retailers. The key National findings
are as follows: |
 |
Awareness |
 |
96% of retailers aware of the smuggling of tobacco products |
|
67% aware of tobacco products being sold illegally in their area |
|
37% have been themselves, or know of someone who has been, offered smuggled goods |
|
23% know of smugglers supplying underage smokers |
|
|
Sales, Staff and the Business |
|
70% of retailers are 'very concerned' about the effects of cross border shopping and smuggled tobacco goods |
|
82% report that smuggling has decreased their tobacco sales
- up from 77% last year |
|
24% claim a 'dramatic decrease' in
tobacco sales as a result of smuggling |
|
36% have considered reducing staff |
|
As a result of tobacco smuggling, 38% of retailers have considered closing their business
- an increase from last year's figure of 34% - and for
20% possible closure is still an issue |
|
|
The Solution |
|
91% don’t think the Government is doing enough to help retailers affected by smuggling |
|
71% state the way to solve the smuggling situation is to reduce or freeze taxes |
|
62% favour increased penalties for those
caught buying or selling smuggled/counterfeit
tobacco |
|
41% believe an increase in the number of
Customs officers would help to reduce the
problem |
|
|
Counterfeit
Tobacco |
|
42% are aware of counterfeit tobacco products being sold in their area |
|
|
Responsible
Retailing |
|
90% of retailers anticipate the smuggling situation worsening over the next 12 months |
|
92% are in favour of a national ID card |
|
92% display No ID No Sale material in their shop |
|
83% are aware of CitizenCard, making it the best known proof of age card. Prove It is next, with 48% recognition |
|
66% of independent retailers see themselves
as essential to their community - the highest
figure ever recorded |
|
