𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

Shoppers believe black market vape and tobacco shops are ruining high streets and putting children in danger, new polling shows. It comes as MPs begin an inquiry into the growing use of high streets by organised criminal gangs that evade tax, sell fake goods and employ people illegally, as well as selling illicit tobacco products. A survey found 69% of the public, more than two-thirds of people, are concerned that tobacco or nicotine products sold on the black market are ruining the high street and local community.

And more than 80% of parents said they were worried that tobacco and nicotine products being sold on the black market are made available to children. The poll, by Merlin Strategies, was published as the Commons Treasury Committee launched an inquiry into warnings from the National Crime Agency that at least £1 billion is laundered through criminal high street stores each year. As part of the inquiry, MPs are looking into the £1.3 billion in tobacco duty that goes unpaid each year in the UK. New figures from HMRC show the estimated tax gap for cigarettes is £800 million and for hand-rolling tobacco it is £500 million.

Claire Jolly, Senior Corporate Affairs Director of cigarette and nicotine product manufacturer Philip Morris Limited (UK and Ireland) said: “The UK illicit market is out of control, and our children and communities are paying the price. The government needs to get a grip on this spiralling issue by quickly introducing a tough licensing scheme that’s rigorously enforced. The message is clear – people have had enough.”

Anti-smoking campaigners accuse tobacco firms of playing up the problem of tax avoidance to discourage other countries from imposing high levels of duty. The UK currently has higher tobacco taxes than most nations, which is why cigarettes are cheaper in other parts of Europe.

Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, told the Treasury Committee: “Most illegal tobacco now on the high street, it is straight up criminality and part of organised crime.”

She warned: “We need boots in the ground in terms of trading standards … trading standards has been stripped back and the boots are simply not there on the ground to enforce the law sufficiently.”

The Home Office has vowed to crack down on “dodgy” vape shops, barbers and nail salons, in an effort to stop organised crime gangs taking over high streets.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood recently announced plans for new laws allowing police and local councils to close businesses for 12 months, up from three months at the moment.

Officials are also reviewing the inclusion of vape shops, barbers and car washes on the skilled-worker sponsorship list, to stop criminals obtaining visas.

Police and trading standards will receive £30 million to fund a crackdown on high street crime, with thousands of businesses set to be raided.