In June 2009 the North of England Tackling Illicit Tobacco for Better Health programme commissioned a study to provide an understanding of the illicit tobacco market, and to inform the development of future campaigns to tackle the supply of and demand for illegal tobacco products. Please click on one of the links below to find out more.
Executive summary
Full report
Report presentation
Street questionnaire
Research into the health, legal and sociological issues around tobacco control and illicit tobacco is extensive across the UK, Europe and the rest of the world.
In June 2008 Smokefree North West (SFNW) commissioned a research study ' Understanding the illicit tobacco market in the region' (Summary attached) which also aimed to inform the development of an effectyive social marketing campaign to tackle the demand for counterfeit and smuggled tobacco.
The UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies (UKCTCS) is a £5m venture serving as one of five UK Centres of Public Health Excellence (established in June 2008), and is a national collaboration of nine universities in England and Scotland.
The multidisciplinary team of lead investigators in the Centre represents an internationally recognised group of researchers with high standing and a wealth of experience in a wide array of tobacco control research.
The stated aim of UKCTCS is "To establish the UKCTCS as a major national and international resource and driver of new research, policy and practice approaches to reducing the prevalence of smoking and related morbidity and mortality …". Essentially, a strategic partnership to advance tobacco control research.