Fed members highlight illicit tobacco concerns on National Television

Two Fed members have spoken out on national television about the growing impact of illicit tobacco, as new data highlights a sharp decline in legal sales across the UK.

Official figures show legal tobacco sales have more than halved since 2021, with the rise of the illegal market cited as a key factor. The issue was explored in reports by ITV News, which featured independent retailers from across the Meridian and Anglia regions.

Dimpee Sood, owner of Falcon News, Portsmouth, said the shift towards cheaper, illegal alternatives is having a direct impact on legitimate businesses.

“The decline has been significant year on year,” she said. “Our sales have declined, our purchases for tobacco have declined. It is the cost.

“We’re challenged by the rising costs of tobacco compared to the illicit trade being sold at a much lower price. We can’t compete and neither do we want to.”

Similar concerns were raised in the East Anglia region, where Avda Kucchadia, who manages Neil’s Premier, Peterborough, owned by Fed member Neil Godhania, highlighted the pressure retailers face at the till.

“We regularly have customers coming in complaining about tobacco prices,” he said. “We understand from their point of view it is expensive nowadays, but if we sell a pack for £30, they might go elsewhere and get it for £10.”

Mr Kucchadia added that some customers are willing to take the risk on cheaper products, he added: “When we sell tobacco, you are getting what you pay for — it is legitimate. Customers buying cheaper tobacco elsewhere are taking a higher risk that it could be counterfeit.”

The ITV reports also highlighted enforcement activity, with Trading Standards teams uncovering illegal cigarettes, tobacco and related products during recent raids. Concerns were raised about the wider links between illicit trade and organised crime.

The Fed has continued to raise concerns about the impact of illegal tobacco on members, warning that it creates unfair competition for responsible retailers who follow the rules.