Illicit trade calculator is eye-opener

Imperial Tobacco says that it is demonstrating to Irish retailers the cost to their own businesses of the trade in illicit products – a strategy that is resulting in more reports being made to the authorities from the areas where this trade is occurring.

‘John Player’s “illicit trade calculator” aims to encourage retailers to report illegal sales by showing the financial impact on individual shops,’ the company said in a note posted on its website.

‘It tracks any reduction in the number of packs sold compared to the same period last year and calculates how much of this can be attributed to illicit trade.’

Carl Phillips, AIT executive in Ireland, said the calculator “really demonstrates to our retail partners the cost to them of illicit trade locally”.

“For example, one store in the Dublin area showed a 2,254 pack loss compared to the same month in 2013 because of illicit trade – that equates to a cash loss of €1,405,” he said.

“I’m delighted to say we’re now seeing a rise in reports to the authorities of illicit trade activity in those areas where we’ve deployed this tool.”