Co-op warns of illegal cigarette market impact on UK high streets

A white paper commissioned by Co-op has revealed the significant scale of the illegal cigarette market in the United Kingdom. According to a YouGov survey, 36% of UK smokers have purchased illicit cigarettes, including counterfeit or illegally imported products. The prevalence is notably higher among younger demographics, affecting 49% of smokers aged 35-44 and 47% of those aged 18-24.

Price remains the primary motivator, with 62% of illicit cigarette buyers citing lower costs as the reason for their purchase. Undercover investigations conducted by Co-op found that in a specific geographical area, 75% of visited shops were selling illegal tobacco at prices ranging from £5 to £8 per pack.

Co-op is calling for increased government enforcement and the implementation of Tobacco Track and Trace systems to combat what it describes as a criminal ecosystem. Paul Gerrard, Co-op’s director of public affairs and campaigns, stated that these shadow economies are impacting legitimate businesses and preventing approximately £1.4bn from reaching the public purse. The report also noted that 44% of those buying illegal products purchased them from corner shops.