Shops call for tough action on illegal tobacco
NEWSAGENTS in Hull are backing calls for tougher penalties for criminals who smuggle illicit cigarettes and tobacco into the country.
Shops in the city are struggling to survive because black markets are making it hard to compete.
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TAKING THE HIT: Mark and Samantha Coldbeck, of Wharfedale Premier in Southcoates Lane, Hull. Picture: Jerome Ellerby
About 30 per cent of newsagents' revenue is made through the sale of cigarettes and tobacco.
Samantha Coldbeck, 39, of Anlaby, co-owns Wharfedale Premier convenience store in Southcoates Lane, Hull.
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She said: "Independent tobacconists and newsagents rely heavily on the sales of cigarettes and tobacco and they are being hit massively.
"More and more shops are diversifying to offer more products but many cannot afford to do that and are therefore struggling to stay afloat.
"I have a lot of friends in the industry and illegal smuggling is having a huge impact on their businesses. Until the Government realises the effect smuggling is having, not just in Hull but across the country, and introduces tougher penalties, the problem will not go away."
The Tobacco Manufacturer's Association (TMA) has now launched a national campaign to try to force the hand of the Government to introduce harsher penalties for smugglers.
Peter Osborne, of the TMA, said: "We are all paying the price of illegal tobacco, whether it's legitimate businesses that lose out, the loss of tax revenues that could pay for much-needed public services, or the associated criminality brought into communities."
"Many people do not understand how big the problem is and think it is a victimless crime.
"There is a lot of money to be made by selling illicit cigarettes and tobacco but all of that money goes straight into the pocket of the criminals when a percentage should be paid in tax and put back into the economy.
"We need to raise people's awareness of the scale of the problem and the effect it can have.
"In these tough economic times we can't blame people for looking for a cheaper deal but the impact this is having will only worsen the problem."
Mrs Coldbeck, who is a member of the Tobacco Retailers Alliance, said the Government needs to take a tougher stance on smuggling.
"The problem has become a lot more common over the years so steps have to be taken to protect legitimate businesses," she said. "I don't think people realise how prevalent smuggling is in Hull."
The association is working with trading standards, the UK Border Agency and police to tackle the problem.
The Government has backed the campaign and the TMA is urging people to sign an online petition to ensure the matter is brought to the attention of Parliament.
9 Comments
by Marmadukelad
Friday, January 25 2013, 9:37AM
“If the tax on baccy was reduced, where do we get the lost taxes from.
As for others countries being cheaper, try getting free health treatment if you live there because we chose tax and free NHS they choose cheap cigs and pay for your treatment”
by cowboy1962
Thursday, January 24 2013, 11:37PM
“if every one give up smoking the first ppl to complain would be the none smoker or and i thought it was illegal to advertise ciggarettes now it look to me like thats what this aticle is doing”
by smartguy1
Thursday, January 24 2013, 10:50PM
“Well if our governments didn't keep ripping us off with excess duty compared to other EU countries then there would be no need for smugglers. Don't blame the smugglers or the people buying from them. Blame the people who hike the prices up on our tobacco and alcohol. Speaking as an ex smoker I believe it's wrong that I can go to France, Spain etc and buy the same product, whatever it is, for half the price. When everyone gives up smoking like myself, my wife and two of my friends all at the same time the government is now losing £6k a year just from our little group. It will come to the point where revenue will need to be gained elsewhere so I will still end up paying tobacco duty in another form of tax. It stinks, just like cigarettes lol.”
by Danepark
Thursday, January 24 2013, 3:23PM
“Im glad HDM printed a picture of them holding cigarettes because if they hadnt i wouldnt have known what they looked like.”
by SmokingHot
Thursday, January 24 2013, 12:21PM
“Decisions, decisions. Shall l pay £15.89 per pack of 50g of tobacco at Tesco's or shall l pay £4.80 per 50g from Belgium? PO Ferries trip would cost me £24 (2 for 1 offer). See you on board!”
by PETER789
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:56AM
“if it wasn't for criminals selling cigs there would be less business for newsagents in providing newspapers and magazines to hmp hull isnt it wharfedale newsagents that's provides this service i believe it is or certainly was lol”
by KiminHull
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:48AM
“Same Blakey, so long as it's for our use it's ok. Just don't mix the brands too much or customs may not believe you.”
by PETER789
Thursday, January 24 2013, 9:45AM
“where do they think the criminals money goes it goes back into the economy in different areas inc the local news agents no doubt, instead of moaning about someone trying to save or make a few bob why don't mr and mrs coldbeck strat a campaign and lobby government for lower taxes on cigarettes then no one would bother with illicit cigs some people just want it all for themselves.”
by Blakey_
Thursday, January 24 2013, 8:13AM
“Opposed to buying smuggled or counterfeit tobacco I simply get it from Spain for half the price.”