Imperial Tobacco has announced the release of the latest element in its ‘Suspect it? Report it!’ anti-illicit trade campaign.
The new campaign poster draws attention to the worrying trend of criminals targeting children with illegal tobacco products, undermining the Government’s youth access prevention programmes.
Whilst the campaign has previously focused on the financial harm illegal tobacco inflicts on local retailers and the damage done to communities, this poster seeks to highlight how illegal tobacco can fall into the hands of the youngest in our society and urges those who suspect it to report it.
Peter Nelson, Imperial Tobacco Anti-Illicit Trade Manager commented: “Illicit tobacco benefits no one but the criminals involved. It creates a market that is uncontrolled and unaccountable. As a result, children can more easily obtain tobacco products and in some cases are actively targeted by criminals.”
Nelson concluded: “The blame for children smoking on street corners is often directed unfairly towards local retailers. We urge the trade and public not to be silent, make your voice heard and protect your community and the local shops which serve it – our message is clear, if you Suspect it? Report it!”
