Minister hears plea for taskforce and tougher penalties
THE Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is calling for a multi-party initiative to tackle the growing problem of illicit products on the Scottish market.
The plea follows a meeting a meeting with the Scottish Government Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Kirsten Oswald. She heard how illegal traders are estimated to be costing legitimate Scottish retail businesses millions of pounds a year.
So, the SGF is demanding that a dedicated taskforce – comprised of Trading Standards, HMRC and Police Scotland – should be set up to target rogue sellers.
It also wants tougher penalties and closure orders with a lasting trading ban for criminals found guilty and additional resources to support and rebuild Scottish Trading Standards and end the postcode lottery for enforcement.
SGF chief executive Pete Cheema said: “Criminals and rogue sellers are now operating in every community in Scotland, damaging local businesses, and risking the safety and wellbeing of communities.
“Illegal tobacco and vapes are now so widespread that it has become the norm for many customers, and without tougher action the situation will only get worse. This seriously risks the viability of local shops that provide essential local services for their communities.
“That is why we are calling for urgent action from the Scottish Government, recognising that the UK Government is already looking at tougher penalties, south of the border.
“There needs to be a dedicated Scottish taskforce to lead on direct action to combat the issue, with the genuine threat of closures and prison time for illegal traders.
“Likewise, ministers must provide the necessary support to revitalise Scottish Trading Standards, to ensure they have the capacity to enforce the law.”
