By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Rising illicit demand: A national survey found that 68% of UK convenience stores are asked for illegal vapes two to six times a week.
- Retailer awareness: 71% of retailers say nearby shops sell illegal nicotine products, indicating widespread awareness of illicit trade.
- Illegal market growth: The UK’s illicit cigarette market has grown nearly 50% over the past five years, the report states.
Demand for illegal nicotine products remains a common challenge for UK convenience stores, according to new survey data highlighting increasing worries about illegal vape and cigarette sales.
A nationwide survey of 200 convenience store managers found that over two-thirds of retailers regularly face requests from customers to sell illegal vaping devices or cigarettes. Many store operators also report observing illegal products being sold nearby, raising concerns about the impact on compliant businesses.
The findings come as broader industry data show the UK’s illegal tobacco market has grown significantly in recent years. The latest KPMG report on illegal cigarette consumption in Europe reveals that illicit cigarette use in the United Kingdom has risen by nearly 50% over the past five years, even as legal cigarette sales have dropped sharply during the same period.
Industry experts warn that the illicit trade is becoming increasingly organized, reports Talking Retail. “Illicit trade is a low-risk, high-reward operation for organized crime groups,” said Will O’Reilly, an illicit trade consultant and former senior officer with the Metropolitan Police.
“Gangs are now taking control of the full illicit supply chain, from production to sales,” he said. “The increasing presence of storefronts set up to sell illicit cigarettes is undercutting legitimate retailers and embedding criminals in local communities.”
Retailers say the presence of illegal nicotine products is harming compliant businesses that follow regulations and age restrictions. “Illicit trade is out of control in the UK,” said Catherine Goger, illicit trade prevention manager for Philip Morris Limited. “Retailers are encountering demand week in, week out, and many can see illegal products being sold a stone’s throw away.”
Goger added that stronger enforcement and consumer education will be necessary to address the problem. “Regulation plays a vital role, but it must be supported by consistent enforcement and more effective communication about the dangers of illicit trade to consumers,” she said. “Together, improved detection, enforcement and education will help protect consumers and retailers.”
Industry observers note that illicit products typically bypass taxes and regulatory requirements, allowing sellers to offer significantly lower prices than legal products. Without stronger enforcement, stakeholders warn the growing illegal market could continue to erode legitimate retail sales while strengthening criminal supply networks.
