The Tobacco Retailers’ Alliance yesterday launched its ‘A Fair Deal For Small Shops’ campaign calling for a government shake-up to protect them.

Its national spokesman Suleman Khonat said: “Our report highlights the value of retailers to communities and tobacco to retailers’ revenues. “

It makes a series of recommendations including: introducing a hard maximum limit on tobacco imports post-Brexit; freezing tobacco duty pending an independent review; and increasing the penalties for those selling illicit tobacco.

It also wants legislation to make landlords liable for illegal tobacco sales on their premises, including online and through social media; a review into Trading Standards operations; an examination of all tobacco control legislation affecting small, independent retailers; the repeal of rules with a negative impact; and revoking EU regulations restricting tobacco pack and vape tank sizes.

Cllr Khonat- who owns several small shops in Blackburn, Darwen and Burnley- said: “There have been significant changes to the tobacco market over the past year. We are seeing a fall in trade as smokers seek cheaper, illegal alternatives.

“We want the Government to listen to retailers and comprehend the regulatory burden that we face. Illegal tobacco, retail crime and the burden of legislation are areas where we can make real progress.”

He called for ‘a considered approach, particularly as we begin the process of leaving the EU’.