Andrea Dickens Deputy Director, Smokefree South West, Bristol
Abstract
Over a quarter of smokers in the South West use illegal tobacco. Being far cheaper than duty paid products it greatly reduces the incentive for people to quit, undermining the positive impact of increases in duty. The illegal tobacco trade also encourages children and young people to smoke. Far from being a victimless crime, it brings crime into local communities, undermining community cohesion.
Smokefree South West leads a collaborative action plan to address the illegal supply of, and demand for illegal tobacco in the South West. A public facing campaign to raise awareness of the issues around illegal tobacco provided the opportunity for collaborative working between health and regulatory partners. Local events were hosted in high footfall areas with members of both teams present, frequently joined by local Fire and Rescue Services. This joined up approach proved effective in engaging members of the community, and raising awareness of the issue.
Intelligence collected through these events and via the campaign website, informed the enforcement activity which was scheduled to follow the campaign.
This illustrates how a collaborative, locally together approach is proving effective in raising public awareness and tackling illegal tobacco at a local level.
Source of funding: Smokefree South West is collaboratively funded by the 14 South West Directors of Public Health.
