Newcastle is grappling with a significant rise in illicit tobacco sales, driven by what some are calling ‘eye-watering’ taxes imposed by the government. The latest figures reveal that one in five smokers in the city are now turning to cheaper, illegal alternatives, highlighting a troubling trend where legal products are becoming less accessible.
The implications of this shift are profound. As legitimate tobacco sales decline, local businesses face increasing pressure from organised crime, which thrives in the absence of effective regulatory oversight. With only three Trading Standards officers tasked with monitoring 2,000 tobacco-selling shops, the city’s ability to combat this illegal trade is severely hampered.
This situation is exacerbated by the upcoming increase in tobacco duties, which are set to rise again, further pushing consumers towards the black market. The disparity in pricing is stark; while a legal packet of cigarettes averages £16.60, counterfeit options can be found for as little as £3.50, making them highly attractive to price-sensitive smokers.
As the demand for illicit products grows, the responsibility is shifting to landlords and businesses to ensure compliance and prevent illegal sales. This mounting pressure illustrates a critical failure in local governance to address an escalating public health crisis, with both financial and social repercussions for the community.
Source: GB News
