Improved targets for cutting down the amount of illegal tobacco products for sale in the UK should be set by the government, a charity has argued.
Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) said “a good deal of progress” has been made so far but extra help should be provided by the government so smuggling is reduced.
The comments came after independent retailers welcomed concerns made by Shadow Health Ministers regarding proposed the tobacco display ban.
Director at Ash Deborah Arnott said: “We hope that the new government strategy will include challenging new targets, more resources to help achieve those targets, and a commitment to sign the European Union anti-smuggling agreements.”
Ash said the proportion of illegal tobacco sold on the UK market should be reduced from 13% currently to 8% in 2010.
The Association of Convenience Stores said it supports the charity’s proposals, which should be “ambitious” and supported by investment.
Last month, Cancer Research UK authors said 4,000 lives a year could be saved if tobacco smuggling is cut down.
A report from the company found that this many people get hooked on smoking via cheap illegal cigarettes, then subsequently become ill from the addiction.
