Retail NZ has called for immediate government intervention to address the growth of the illicit tobacco market in New Zealand.

A newly released study titled Time is Running Out to Quit Illicit Tobacco, highlights concerns regarding the impact of illegal sales on licensed retailers, public health goals, and the potential for increased organised crime.

“We hold grave concerns about the impacts the illicit tobacco market is already having on legitimate tobacco retailers, not to mention Aotearoa New Zealand’s public health objectives and the fight against organised crime,” said Carolyn Young, Retail NZ CEO.

“We know there are illicit tobacco shops popping up in New Zealand, but the current legislative settings are not nearly enough, with Health, Customs and Police all responsible for different parts of enforcement and low-level penalties for wrongdoing,” said Young.

“We are urging the Government to immediately establish a multi-agency Illicit Tobacco Task Force, increase penalties and have an independent roundtable consider a range of other measures, to ensure the illicit tobacco market is stamped out before it’s too late,” she continued.

“Just across the Tasman, Australia is in the midst of an illicit tobacco crisis. Its failure to take decisive action when it was clear an illegal market was taking hold of the tobacco market has resulted in organised crime groups leading a significant rise in violent retail crime.”