Korean convenience stores launch campaign against contraband cigarettes
OTTAWA, May 3 /CNW/ - Korean convenience store owners are launching a campaign against contraband cigarettes today, with a multimedia ad blitz and a visit to Parliament.
The campaign includes national TV ads and Korean-language radio and print ads. The campaign website, www.KoreanConvenienceStores.ca features grassroots tools including Facebook, Twitter, a YouTube speakers corner and a call-your-MP dialer.
"There are 2,300 Korean corner stores in Ontario," said Kenneth Kim, spokesman for the campaign. "We are tax-paying, law-abiding citizens. Illegal cigarette smugglers are driving us out of business - and it's time the government did something about it."
The RCMP estimates that $2 billion a year in taxes is lost to smugglers, and 100 criminal gangs are involved in the trade. Studies show that 30% of cigarettes in high schools are bought from smugglers.
"Through our campaign, we hope to convince the government to uphold the law and stand with law-abiding Canadians against these criminals," concluded Mr. Kim.
For more information, including to watch the TV ad, visit www.KoreanConvenienceStores.ca.
For further information: Kenneth Kim at [email protected]
Share this article