UK survey: Majority of teen smokers obtain tobacco illegally

The latest figures obtained from the 2017 North East Illegal Tobacco Survey, indicated that over half of all adolescent smokers in the North-East of England have purchased tobacco illegally.

Author - Diane Caruana November 25, 2017

55% of adolescent smokers aged 14 and 15, said they purchase illegal tobacco from shops or “tab houses”.

Approximately 55% of adolescent smokers aged 14 and 15, said they purchase illegal tobacco from shops or “tab houses”, whilst 73% pointed out that at some point or other, they have been offered illegal tobacco. These survey results were released as Fresh, a dedicated tobacco control program set up in the North East of England, launches the new “Keep It Out” campaign. This initiative is aimed at helping the public spot illegal tobacco activities and report them.

Illegal tobacco is either smuggled, counterfeit or manufactured illegally, and tends to be cheaper than regular tobacco. This survey is a clear indication that illegal tobacco activities are a threat to teens, as much as they are for older adults.

Overall illegal tobacco activities are on the decline

On a positive note, reports from HM Revenue & Customs show that such illegal activities are on the decline. Presently illegal tobacco now only makes up 13% of the overall tobacco market, as opposed to 21% in 2000. And the latest estimates released by the UK government also indicate that only 10% of cigarettes in Britain are currently sold illegally, even though the number for hand-rolled tobacco is significantly higher at 39%.

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