Kirklees Council is backing a new campaign to tackle the trade in illegal tobacco and stop dealers who sell to children.

The trade in cheap, illegal tobacco might seem like a victimless crime but it makes it easier for children to smoke and brings crime into local communities.

Illegal cigarettes and tobacco are usually sold at half or even a third of the price, in a range of locations such as pubs and clubs, shops, from private houses or from street hawkers.

The campaign is being run by West Yorkshire Trading Standards across the Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds and Wakefield areas and City of York Council.

Judith Hooper, director of public health for Kirklees Council, said: “All tobacco, both legal and illegal, kills half of all long-term smokers.

“We know that most smokers want to give up smoking but their quit attempts are really undermined if somebody offers them a cheap supply of tobacco.

“It’s also really worrying that children are being targeted by unscrupulous dealers.

“Kirklees Council is taking this issue seriously as part of wider efforts to reduce the harm caused by smoking and to help reduce the numbers of children tempted to start.”

A spokeswoman for HMRC said: “HMRC is fully committed to supporting the Tackling Illicit Tobacco for Better Health programme. HMRC works closely with other enforcement agencies to crack down on illicit tobacco in the UK.

“Seizing illicit product is only one of the tools used. The focus is on using a range of interventions, from penalties to prosecutions, to encourage compliance and maximise deterrent.”

Enforcement efforts are supported by a publicity campaign where people can find out more about problems with illegal tobacco.

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