KINGSTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 20, 2012) - The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) is pleased to recognize the support of all members of the Kingston City Council, in passing a motion against contraband tobacco at a City Council meeting held Tuesday, September 18th. The motion requests that the Mayor of Kingston write a letter encouraging the Ontario Minister of Finance to follow through on promises to increase resources in the fight against contraband tobacco.
"A major trafficking route for contraband tobacco in Ontario continues to be Highway 401. All cities lining that highway remain vulnerable to the public safety issues emerging from this illegal industry" said Dave Bryans, CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association. "We would like to thank Councillors Osanic and Reitzel for putting this motion forward, and all members of Council for their support. This is a clear sign that Kingston will not tolerate an influx of illegal tobacco within its city limits."
Kingston area retailers and members of the OCSA look forward to seeing a reduction of contraband products following the recent commitments in the Ontario budget. "As the government looks to follow through on Budget commitments to stop contraband tobacco, support from all levels of government will be critical in helping protect the safety of our communities, and to ensuring that age-restricted products don't wind up in the hands of Ontario's young people," said Bryans.
The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) represents more than 7,000 convenience store operators throughout the province who are committed to Responsible Community Retailing. More than 3 million people visit convenience stores in communities across Ontario every day.