Shopkeepers have told the government to tackle tobacco smuggling if it wants to cut underage smoking and to abandon thoughts of banning in-store tobacco displays.
Jump to full article: UTV (Ulster Television), 2009-08-04
Intro: The selling of smuggled tobacco is so widespread in Northern Ireland that almost nine in ten shopkeepers are aware of its sale in their area, it was revealed on Tuesday.
A new survey showed 87% of shopkeepers were aware of the sales in their area and 37% knew the smugglers were supplying to underage smokers.
It also found 68% of local corner shopkeepers believe a ban on tobacco displays in shops will drive more trade into the black market.
At the same time 68% of those polled said they believe cross-border shopping and tobacco smuggling will get worse over the coming year.
The survey was carried out by the Tobacco Retailers Association as the government considers a move than would ban all tobacco displays in shops in a bid to reduce smoking by the young.
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