“This penalizes French tobacconists,” denounces Serdar Kaya, vice-president of the Confederation of tobacconists

The vice-president of the confederation of tobacconists denounces the fragility of professionals in the sector, who according to him will be made more precarious by this measure.

While on Wednesday January 1, 2025, the price of tobacco increases by a few cents, the vice-president of the Confederation of tobacconists Serdar Kaya denounces on franceinfo “an increase which penalizes tobacconists in France“.

This increase was notnot wanted by the profession” adds Serdar Kaya, who expresses his concern for the 23,000 French tobacconists. “This will kill the profession again“, while these businesses are already “fragile“according to him.”Tobacco is the DNA of tobacconists and represents their main activity” specifies Serdar Kaya, who fears a transfer of customers to the black market, and points out the price differences between “a pack of 14 euros for 20 cigarettes“sold at a tobacconist and in a package”from 6 to 7 euros on the street“.

Still on the subject of smuggling, Serdar Kaya speaks of a “priority“, who must”be eradicated“by the government, because according to it it represents between”30 et 40%“tobacco sales in France.”We ask the State to take its responsibilities to protect the first local commerce, which provides a real social bond throughout the territory.” added Serdar Kaya.

The increase in tobacco prices in force from this Wednesday, January 1 will differ depending on the manufacturers and products, but a majority of packs will exceed the 12.50 euros mark for 20 cigarettes. In addition to cigarettes, cigars, heating tobacco and packets of rolling tobacco are also affected. A measure which is part of a government policy concerning public health, aimed at reducing cigarette consumption.