ISSUES WITH PLAIN PACKAGING - ILLICIT TRADE
Youth smoking and tobacco control
The availability and lower prices of illicit cigarettes undermine existing measures to control youth smoking.
Italy
Finland
Examples of youth smoking prevention campaigns
According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal in September 2009, illicit cigarettes are rampant in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The Canadian Convenience Stores Association 2009 Status Report also highlights the issue stating that:
Easy access
[Minors] are having no trouble getting their hands on cheap unregulated illegal cigarettes.
Source: Canadian Convenience Stores Association, 2009 Status Report.
UK officials have estimated that about 30% of under-18s admit to buying illicit tobacco, particularly in areas of deprivation. The illicit cigarettes are sold from private homes, often charging half as much as legitimate shops.
Trading Standards has vowed to stamp down on counterfeit cigarettes and underage sales following the conviction of a man who sold fake cigarettes to kids from his ice cream van.