FEDERATION CALLS FOR CLAMP-DOWN ON ILLICIT TRADE IN GALWAY

Date Published: 22-Mar-2013

The National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) is calling for a government clamp-down on illicit trade in Galway and nationwide.

The group reports that in the last four years, 178 million illegal cigarettes were seized by Gardai and Revenue officials in the Border, Midlands and West region which includes Galway.

Local retailers attended a meeting held in Loughrea recently where a range of approaches to tackle the issue were discussed.

The NFRN also refers to figures released last month which show that over 15 percent of cigarettes smoked in Galway had not been taxed in Ireland.

The group has now made a presentation to the Oireachtas Comittee on Justice, Defence and Equality.

They propose a complete ban on the sale of tabacco products at markets and fairs as well as a minimum fine.

Joe Sweeney is the President of NFRN Ireland and says the problem is growing and will cost jobs in the retail sector