From: Liverpool.Gov.UK
Liverpool’s pioneering unit which has led the fight against illegal alcohol and tobacco is to continue.
The Alcohol and Tobacco Unit (ATU) was set up the city council’s trading standards services in 2008 with Liverpool PCT providing funding for three years.
Now the PCT has provided the £400,000 funding necessary for the unit to continue operating until 2013.
Since it was set up, the Alcohol and Tobacco unit has had a real impact in cutting the amount of illicit alcohol and tobacco in the city and cutting sales to young people. In fact the amount seized is triple the original investment made by Liverpool PCT.
Among its achievements are:
- Working with partners including Merseyside Police and PCT Health workers the ATU has carried out almost 1,000 alcohol and tobacco test purchases using volunteers. All premises are targeted as a result of complaints from residents and action has been taken over 173 illegal underage sales.
- A wide range of action has been taken against those who sell to under age children, and those who sell illicit alcohol and tobacco. This includes prosecutions, licence reviews, orders to cease selling cigarettes in problem premises, 48 hour closure orders, training and action plans
- A joint operation with HMRC saw illegal tobacco with a value of £1.4m seized
- Quantities of illicit counterfeit and smuggled alcohol and tobacco with a combined street value of more than £2,000,000 has been seized from over 200 premises across the city.
Councillor Tim Moore, cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “We are delighted that the PCT has contributed the funding which will enable this unit to carry on its vital work.
“It has been one of the big success stories of the last few years and has played a significant role in protecting young people and the wider community. Its work protects the health of individuals and has helped cut crime and disorder.
“And it has also helped legitimate businesses whose trade is hit by illegal alcohol and tobacco especially during these very challenging times for traders.”
Dr Paula Grey, Director of Public Health for Liverpool said: “Since it became operational the Alcohol and Tobacco Unit has made a positive contribution to reducing the amount of counterfeit and smuggled tobacco and alcohol in our local communities.
“Counterfeit cigarettes often do not carry warning health messages and are more dangerous because they contain higher levels of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide than genuine brands. Similarly counterfeit alcohol often contains ingredients which can lead to health problems.
“These products are often widely available to young people as well. Enabling the Unit to continue its work until 2013 means we can not only prevent many more young people from forming a potentially life-endangering habit but it send out a clear and stern warning to those who may be tempted to break the law in this way.”
