The team tasked with taking illicit tobacco off Hull’s streets is in the running for a national award. Hull City Council’s Tobacco Control Team, made up of members of the Public Protection Team, along with colleagues in Legal Services, have been shortlisted for Medium Team of the Year at the national Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards.
The team’s shortlisting recognises their success in working alongside partners to lead multi-agency operations which seized £2.5million worth of illegal tobacco and vapes in 2025. The total annual haul included 3.7million cigarettes, 12,000 packs of rolling tobacco and more than 31,000 illegal vapes.
Last year also saw:
- 355 separate seizures were made
- 30 search warrants were issued
- 23 prosecutions relating to illicit tobacco
- Those prosecuted paid total fines of £22,331 and costs of £19,230
- 21 live prosecutions are currently in progress
- four individuals have received prison sentences of approximately 12 months duration.
The award submission highlighted these successes, as well as the importance of tackling illicit tobacco in order to support people to quit smoking. The winner will be decided at a ceremony in June, following a rigorous judging process which includes an in-person presentation by the team to the panel.
Cllr Charles Quinn, whose portfolio includes Public Protection, said: “We’re all extremely proud of the team, both for this award nomination, and the work which earned it.
“The LGC awards recognise the best work by council teams around the country, so making it to this stage is a fantastic achievement.
“The results the team secured in terms of seizures and prosecutions speaks for itself, and 2026 already looks set to be another success. Challenging illicit tobacco really is vital work. It is not just about cheap products; it funds organised crime, prevents people quitting and attracts children due to its price, and does not undergo the same safety checks as legal products.
“Last year was a truly exceptional one for our Tobacco Control Team. They outperformed any other authority within our region, building on the good work of previous years. Every member of the team puts considerable efforts and hard work into disrupting the illicit tobacco trade and we are immensely proud of this dedicated team”.
Report someone selling illicit tobacco anonymously to Citizen’s Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133, or visit keepitout.co.uk and report anonymously online. For free support to stop smoking, search SmokeFree Hull, or call: 01482 977 617.
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