Windsor City Council Commits to Fighting Contraband Tobacco

In Canada, one town formalizes its fight against illegal tobacco, with OCSA offering strong support.

May 11, 2012

OTTAWA, ONTARIO - The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) issued its strong approval earlier this week of the Windsor City Council€™s efforts to fight contraband tobacco.

The Council passed a motion earlier this week, originally supported by the Windsor Public Safety Committee, requesting the city€™s mayor to work with the Ontario Minister of Finance in combating illegal tobacco sales.

Windsor has already made several busts of illegal tobacco this year, and the motion formalizes the city€™s commitment to protect public safety.

"Windsor has been home to several major contraband seizures in 2012, thanks to the attentive work of local Ministry of Finance enforcement officers and the RCMP local dispatch," said Dave Bryans, chief executive officer of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association. "The support of the Windsor City Council in this initiative is critical in eradicating the growing problem of contraband tobacco in southwestern Ontario €¦ This is a step in the right direction and the OCSA will continue to offer its support to any and all municipalities that wish to join the fight against contraband tobacco."

Bryans said contraband tobacco threatens the safety of communities, with age-restricted products usually ending up in the hands of minors. It is an ongoing concern for the association.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement