MEDIA INFORMATION For immediate release

JTI removes tobacco gantry from North West shop selling illegal tobacco

Weybridge, 9 October 2015 – On 9th October 2015 JTI removed its tobacco gantry from Amani News in Stockport Road, Levenshulme following a prosecution by Manchester Trading Standards for dealing in illegal cigarettes and tobacco.

Charlie Cunningham-Reid, UK Head of Corporate Affairs commented: “Given the offence committed by this retailer, JTI has decided that the removal of our gantry was the most appropriate course of action. If this type of crime continues, customers will lose trust in their local shops as the false impression grows that all of the independent trade is rife with ‘dodgy cigarettes’. “Our commitment to support the actions of Trading Standards and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is steadfast and we must work together to take a stand against illegal tobacco.

Speaking in support of JTI’s action Bestway Group Director of Symbol, James Hall stated, “Selling illegal tobacco must be seen as a crime that doesn’t pay, which is why, following this prosecution, Bestway has decided to remove all future support from this particular shop and we call on other suppliers to do the same.” “Those retailers who decide to sell illegal cigarettes through their shop give good retailers a bad name and we must all work together to protect the reputation of the local community store.”

HMRC commented, 'We welcome action by Japan Tobacco International (JTI) and Bestway to withdraw support from those retail outlets who have been convicted for the sale of illicit tobacco'

Anyone who knows of criminals supplying illegal cigarettes in their area owe it to their local community to report them to the Customs Hotline - 0800 59 5000.

### Notes to editors: Please see below links for a summary of the case. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/shopkeeper-who-used-secret-chute-6214695

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For further information, please contact:

Mark Yexley 01932 372000 [email protected] Follow us on Twitter @UKJTI

JTI, a member of the Japan Tobacco Group of Companies, is a leading international tobacco manufacturer. It markets world-renowned brands such as Camel, Winston and Mevius. Other global brands include Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut, Sobranie, Glamour and LD. With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and about 26,000 employees worldwide, JTI has operations in more than 120 countries. For more information, visit www.jti.com.

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