A new nationwide campaign, It Costs More Than You Think has been launched by JTI.
The campaign provides retailers and consumers with the tools to report the illicit sale of tobacco and to raise awareness of its impact on local communities.
It also calls on the Government to do more to tackle the sale of illegal cigarettes - which funds organised crime gangs and exploitation.
The call to action coincides with the publication of a landmark new study, comprising a survey of 3,000 adults, with three-quarters (77%) saying they’d be concerned about the repercussions if they reported illicit tobacco in their community.
Following a year-on-year increase of reports to HMRC reporting the trade of illegal tobacco, JTI’s new campaign highlights how the proceeds are laundered and taken outside the UK, funding crime and fraud.
The study highlights there is a fear of repercussion in reporting, lack of awareness in identifying and a lack of law enforcement in response to illicit tobacco. Notable findings include that the majority (69%) of UK adults have heard or are familiar with illegal tobacco, but two in three (64%) are unsure how to identify it.
A further four in five surveyed (81%) believe there is not enough enforcement to stop illegal tobacco sales, yet over half (53%) don’t believe it’s their responsibility to take action.
JTI’s new website has a dedicated retailer page, which outlines the risks of selling illicit tobacco, alongside tips on how to spot illegal products and report stores selling illicit goods. Retailers can also download a letter template to share with their MPs to raise awareness of illicit tobacco in their area.
Nicky Small, corporate affairs and communications director at JTI, said: “This research clearly demonstrates the concerns of consumers around llegal tobacco and its impact on communities.
“Illegal tobacco costs the UK over £2 billion every year in lost tax revenue, meaning the consequences for the taxpayer are significant. It also puts legitimate retailers at a serious disadvantage and takes footfall and profit away from law-abiding stores.
“We’ve therefore launched this campaign to raise awareness, highlight the reporting tools available to fight it and to call on the Government to do more on this critical issue that continues to harm communities in every region. We hope this campaign will provide valuable support to the retail community, helping them to stay compliant, protect their businesses and crack down on stores selling illicit goods.”
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